Monday 1 September 2014

Welsh Ornithological Society conference, Saturday 8 November


A quick plug to mention that the WOS conference returns to North Wales this autumn, in partnership with BTO Cymru and RSPB Cymru.  Tickets are now on sale for the event, which is at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, from http://www.birdsinwales.org.uk/activities/conference.htm.

Speakers include:

  • The BTO's Dawn Balmer, who organised the 2007-11 Atlas of Breeding and Wintering Birds, will reflect on what the results mean for Wales, and how it should guide our monitoring, research and conservation in the coming years.
  • Skokholm Bird Observatory, the very first UK bird observatory, has recently been reinstated after almost three decades. Former WOS President, David Saunders, will take us back in time to the pioneer years of this special Pembrokeshire island.
  • Upland bird habitats have suffered more than a century of damage and deterioration from intensive agriculture and forestry in Wales. RSPB Cymru'sStephen Bladwell will report on the trials and tribulations of restoring North Wales' moors for black grouse, curlew and other iconic species.
  • Pied Flycatchers are one of Wales' classic woodland species, and the subject of a long-term study in Denbighshire by Pete Coffey of Merseyside Ringing Group, one of WOS affiliate groups.
  • BirdTrack has proved a popular way for birdwatchers to record their sightings online, and even in the field with a smartphone. Nick Moran, scheme organiser, will show us what its data is showing, why higher participation in Wales will help our knowledge, plus some of the plans for the future.
  • RSPB Cymru's Arfon Williams will round off the day with some thoughts on the future of bird conservation in Wales.


In addition, WOS President Iolo Williams will present the WOS Lifetime Achievement Awards and the 2014 Student Research Award, there will be information stands from RSPB Cymru and BTO Cymru, and Subbuteo Natural History Books will have a wide range of quality wildlife books.

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