The SOS encourages members to participate in it's own research projects and those organised by other groups and individuals. Current projects are listed below or click on the link in the table to go to the appropriate page. As and when Reports on projects are available they will be added to this web-site. For a list of reports currently available click here.
| Red Grouse | BTO and County Atlas Survey | Ring Ouzel | Red Kite |
| Rooks | Clun Upland Waders | Hobby | Ravens |
The Lapwing has declined in numbers as a breeding bird both nationally and in Shropshire. The SOS has joined with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and other agencies in an attempt to reverse the current trend. The SOS has agreed to collate all sightings of the species on behalf of the other partners in this project. Please report every sighting of Lapwings during the breeding season (late March to July) to include any evidence of breeding. The amazing aerobatic display flights early in the season will indicate where pairs are setting up home and, if followed up, may lead to confirmation of breeding by seeing sitting birds or young Lapwings later in the season. All reports should be submitted to Geoff Holmes, the County Bird Recorder on 01743 364621 or e-mail.
For more information on Lapwings click here. This link will take you to maps showing where Lapwings have been seen in the breeding season (can you fill some gaps?) and a page giving general background information on the species in Shropshire.
As part of the British Trust for Ornithology's national survey of breeding birds the SOS is encouraging its members to participate in this important study. Observers visit a randomly selected 1km square (from the Ordnance Survey map) and walk two transects across the area counting all the birds that they see. This is done twice during the breeding season with one other visit to record habitat details. If you are interested in taking part in this survey see here or contact Alan Dawes, BTO representative for Shropshire on 01691 654245 or by email. We currently have over 50 squares being surveyed in the county, giving us our own BBS index - so come and join the fun! It takes only three ca. 2-hour field visits a year. You don't have to be an 'expert' but the ability to identify bird calls and song is needed.
Dave Fulton has been studying the Wheatears that breed around the summit of the Clee Hills and he will appreciate any sightings of colour ringed Wheatears away from his study site on the Clee Hill. Full colour ring combinations would be ideal but Dave would be delighted hear of any sightings of Wheatear wearing colour rings, including out-of-county records. Please make a note of the date and location and let Dave know by calling 01746 861580.
For many years now Martin Grant has been keeping the records of all colour ringed Mute Swans in Shropshire and he asks that if anyone records a colour ringed Mute Swan in the County if they send the ring number with date and location to him at martinggrant@hotmail.com he will send previous sightings and ringing information to the reporter.