One of the biggest challenges for anyone interested in birds, starts this year when the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) begins to collect information for its new UK bird atlas.
The Army Ornithological Society (AOS) will be helping out by counting birds across the country, but it needs more recruits. From straight forward bird watching at home, to help with overseas and UK-wide bird expeditions and surveys, AOS members provide the Army's focal point for ornithological issues by getting involved in conservation work, bird counts and other MOD and civilian schemes through field trips, overseas expeditions and even scientific studies.
Future planned expeditions will visit Ascension Island, Holland, Spain and Ecuador, while past expeditions have been to Nepal, Belize, Ethiopia, Canada and The Gambia. Membership is open to serving and ex-Army personnel, other Services and their families, MOD employed civil servants and members of Commonwealth Forces. The AOS is particularly keen to recruit more serving soldiers and officers of the Regular and Territorial Army and from the Reserves. Contributing to the national bird atlas is just one small part of our activities and, whether just starting out or with a detailed knowledge of birds, the Society welcomes all to its ranks and makes a point of developing interest through practical field activities.