SOS Fieldworkers Meeting October 3rd 2020

Several members have enquired whether we are still planning to go ahead with the SOS Fieldworkers Meeting on October 3rd, 2020. As it stands now the answer is yes, we are hoping to be able to go ahead but we will be reviewing the situation in July.

Covid 19 restrictions mean that Adastra Hall, the venue for the meeting, is currently closed but the managers are hoping they will be able to open again in July. When they re-open they are expecting there will be restrictions such as distancing and sanitizing of the equipment which will quite likely limit usage.

We also need to consider the views of the members. How many will be happy to attend an indoor meeting in October? If you have any views on this, please drop me an e-mail at ken.smith.lsw@gmail.com .

Given the success of the last meeting, we are still hoping to go ahead this year but our priority must be to keep everyone safe. Once we have a clearer picture of the Covid situation and likely restrictions at the venue, the SOS Scientific Committee will discuss whether it is feasible to go ahead and let members know, probably by the middle of July.

Ken Smith

SOS Fieldworkers meeting – draft programme

Saturday, October 3rd 2020, Adastra Hall, Hassocks
13.15 – 17.00

Recent SOS survey results – Rich Black/Matt Twydell

BTO surveys in Sussex – Greg Conway, BTO

All the good birds of 2019/20 – what did you miss? – David Campbell

Redstarts in Ashdown – Matt Kirk

Ringing at Beachy Head – Bob Edgar

Sussex Barn Owl Group update – Terry Hallahan

What bird records do we need? – Richard Cowser

Webs counts in Sussex – Dave Boddington

Discussion and close – Ken Smith