SOS Fieldworkers’ meeting Saturday September 28th 2019 at 13.30 – Adastra Hall, Hassocks, BN6 8QH This new event for SOS is for everyone who enjoys bird watching and recording and taking part in bird surveys and fieldwork in Sussex. The event is free and open to all birdwatchers. No need to book, just come […]

Sussex Ornithological Society Council positions are held for five years from the date of the Annual General Meeting, so we are always looking for new volunteers from the membership to get involved with the running of the Society. In 2020, there will be vacancies for the positions of Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Surveys and Projects […]

As you may know SOS are organising a survey of breeding Turtle Doves this summer. The survey started in mid-May and I am sure many of you have already been our surveying birds. Turtle Doves are now settling into their territories and are being seen at feeding sites and are purring regularly. The SOS survey […]

New volunteers in Sussex are being sought to help to monitor national breeding woodcock numbers. Annual monitoring of roding woodcocks has taken place at a number of sites across the UK each year since 2003; a summary of the results can be found at http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/woodcock-survey/results. Three visits to a site are required between 1st May […]

Our city-wide surveys over the last two years helped identify 105 nest sites for Brighton Swifts. Our 2019 survey will build on the data gathered since 2016 and will help our work to protect and expand existing colonies. We’ll be looking to monitor our known ‘hot-spot’ areas as well as increase coverage in other parts […]

The Forestry Commission is looking for able and/or aspiring birders to help record the breeding birds of our ancient Wealden woodlands across East Sussex. If you have a good ear and eye for woodland birds and can spare a few early mornings this spring then please get in touch, we would love to hear from […]

Assistant Editor. We are looking for a volunteer for Assistant Editor (part of the Editorial Team) of the Sussex Bird Report. Anyone interested in gaining a deeper insight into Sussex birds and a knowledge of preparation of the publication is invited to contact Peter Plant – breditor@sos.org for further details. Species Account Writers. Anyone wishing […]

South Downs National Trust are running a wild life camp out  for staff and volunteers on Newtimber Hill across the weekend of the 18th and 19th of May. Is anybody interested in joining them to help record the dawn chorus? Camping and breakfast will be provided. Contact Helen Osorio Membership and Visitor Welcome Manager Helen.Fitzgerald@nationaltrust.org.uk […]

There is a national seabird census and the focus this year and next is on breeding gulls in urban areas. The survey is simple – only one visit needed. But there are lots of urban sites in Sussex to cover so we need lots of volunteers. Can you help? Click Here for more details.

Now is the ideal time to sign up to take part in the BTO Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and to come along to an informal practice session along with other volunteers. This national monitoring scheme is administered by the BTO and jointly funded by the BTO, JNCC and RSPB. It has been running since 1994 […]