The Birds of Shropshire provides the most comprehensive record of the County's avifauna ever published. Produced by Shropshire Ornithological Society, The Birds of Shropshire is based on the results of six years fieldwork by over 650 different observers who submitted over 333,400 records. These records have been used to produce maps showing the current distribution of almost 200 different species. Stunning images of 220 species have been contributed by 21 local photographers.
The Birds of Shropshire includes an account for each species, describing its distribution and relative abundance, and the breeding status where relevant. The current breeding and winter maps are compared with those shown in An Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Shropshire (1992) and with the Shropshire part of the national The Atlas of the Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (1986). Historical data, and results of specific local studies, are also incorporated. For many species it will show that massive changes have occurred in their population and distribution. The Birds of Shropshire will shape conservation priorities in the County for the next 20 years.
Forewords have been contributed by Amanda Craig, Area Manager for Natural England, confirming the importance of the research for setting conservation priorities and targeting scarce resources; and by Dawn Balmer, co-ordinator of the acclaimed Bird Atlas 2007-11 for the whole of Britain and Ireland, published recently by the British Trust for Ornithology, putting the local book in its national context.
Leo Smith is a Consultant Ornithologist.