Have you received your summer SOS newsletter?
Unfortunately there was a glitch when the mailing list was generated for the newsletter, and wrong postcodes were assigned to the addresses. We know some have been delivered where the error has kindly been overridden by the posties, but some have been returned.
If you have received your newsletter no need to do anything – your correct postcode is on file.
If it has not arrived by the end of the month, please contact Val Bentley on chetsford@talk21.com as she has a stock of spares and will post one out to you. Alternatively please let her know if you would be happy to receive an e-version this time (or indeed for all future mailings) as there is only a limited stock of spare copies if the originals have gone astray and not been returned to us. Please accept our apologies.
SOS New Year Bird Race 2026
Many congratulations to second time winners, by a whisker, the North Wallcreepers with 95 species, beating the Surf Scoters by just two. In third place came the Monday Birders with 90. Do hope that everyone enjoyed that rush of adrenalin when an unexpected species is seen, making up for frustration when a dead cert is missed!
The spring SOS newsletter will carry a more detailed account of the Race, but I can reveal that 135 species were seen by the teams, 19 by everyone and 18 only by one team.
Thanks so much to all 59 participants (in 18 teams), who raised over £1900 (including Gift Aid) for bird conservation in Sussex.
“3 for 1” offer
SOS New Year Bird Race
Can’t believe that it is only 26 more sleeps until New Year’s Day and the start of the SOS New Year Bird Race. Hope that you will soon start getting your teams and routes organised! In 2025 16 different teams took part; they clocked up 147 different species, one more than in 2024, and raised over £1800 (including Gift aid) for SOS conservation projects. The winners, with 98 species, were The North Wallcreepers.
Regular racers will know the Rules, and there will be further details in the winter newsletter, but the main ones are
- it must be carried out on a single day in the first two weeks of January
- you must confine yourself to within the county boundary
- teams should consist of at least 2 people
- all members of the team should see or hear the species claimed (though doesn’t have to be the same individual bird), unless the team consists of 4 or more, in which case 3 must record the species
Very good luck to all those planning to Race!
Contact Val Bentley on chetsford@talk21.com for the 2026 Race Pack
Swift Awareness Week
Swifts in Sussex: A Community Success Story in Time for Swift Awareness Week – 29th June to 6th July
As summer approaches, so too does one of the most exciting events in the birdwatching calendar — Swift Awareness Week, running this year from 29th June to 6th July. Across the UK, communities are celebrating these remarkable aerial acrobats, and here in Sussex, we have plenty to be proud of.
The Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) has long supported efforts to protect and encourage Swifts, having contributed an impressive £12,000 to local projects over the years. These funds have gone toward everything from installing nesting boxes to public engagement and awareness campaigns.
One particularly heartening success story comes from Clymping, where a community-led initiative has brought Swifts a much-needed helping hand. A total of 28 Swift nest boxes have been installed around the village, thanks to a collaborative effort between local residents, Clymping Parish Council, and a generous grant from SOS.
As one local resident shared:
“I just wanted to keep you informed that I have a pair of breeding Swifts in my Swift box. I have a camera in it, which Paul Stevens installed earlier this year. My first Swift arrived on 3rd May, and the pair were reunited on the 12th May — though they may have met sooner, as I was away for a few days. They’ve laid two eggs. They were always together in the box, but now seem to be taking turns incubating the eggs…”
Stories like this show the real impact of conservation at the local level — not just in terms of habitat protection, but also the joy and connection it brings to those involved.
In Clymping, residents funded 50% of the project costs, with additional support from the parish council and SOS. It’s a brilliant example of community spirit meeting conservation success.
As Swift Awareness Week approaches, take a moment to look up at the skies — and if you’re lucky, you might just spot one of these incredible birds, darting and swooping through the Sussex summer air.
Interested in helping Swifts in your area? Visit https://sos.org.uk/archives/category/swifts to learn more about how you can get involved.
We will continue to update SOS members on how our funds are being used to help birds and nature in and around Sussex.
(Adam Huttly)
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SOS Conference 25th January 2025
Don’t forget to book your place! A reminder of what’s in store is in the forthcoming newsletter, and if you’ve mislaid your booking form and need another, please email me on chetsford@talk21.com
SOS New Year Bird Race 2025
Yes, it will be running again so get geared up! Full details will be in the forthcoming newsletter, and the Race Pack is available from me on chetsford@talk21.com
Sussex Bird Report Review
The newly published Sussex Bird Report was reviewed by Birdguides, who were pretty impressed!
Now’s the time to join SOS!
Current members will hopefully be leafing excitedly through their newly arrived Sussex Bird Report – those who joined after 29 September will receive theirs shortly, as I have to post them off individually!
Anyone joining now will receive the double benefits of membership until 31st December 2025 and not only the newly published Report, but that for 2022 (while stocks last) and the 2024 Report when it comes out towards the end of 2025. )Sorry, have sent the final 2022 Report out now, but it’s still a great offer!) Click on the “Join us” tab at the top of the page to sign up.
SOS New Year Bird Race – Results now in!
All teams have now submitted their lists and congratulations are due to the Hot Shot Harriers (Matt Eade & Tim Squire) on finding 115 species on 1st January. Not quite a record – that still stands with The Splash Pointers’ 123 back in 2018 – Matt was part of that team too!
In 2nd place were The Dynamic Duo (Elliot Chandler & John Thorogood) with 96 and Mike’s Mergansers (Mike Russell, Lesley Milward, Mike English & Charles Waters) were 3rd with 91. Joint 4th with 90 were The Martlets and Whelpley Waders.
Many thanks to all teams who took part – the highest ever number of teams and participants.
There will be a more detailed report in the Spring newsletter.
