Shropshire Rookeries Survey 2008

County rookeries were last surveyed in 1975 – 455 sites were reported containing 12,004 nests. So, more than three decades on, are those sites still active and are they the same size, where are the new ones and has the overall population changed? The March/April 2008 survey gives you a chance to help answer the questions – everyone knows what a rookery looks like so please tell me when you find one or more. For more info on the Rookeries survey click here

The rookery at Purslow, south Shropshire – in willow trees, deserted and quiet on a stormy day in January 2008. On sunny days rooks will return to their trees to socialise and retain the social contacts, and probably their own nests, prior to the coming breeding season. Photo: John Tucker

There is a simple SRS08 form to fill in – all I really need to know is who you are and where and how big your rookery is. You can find the Report Form here, you can e-mail me or write and ask me for a form for each site.

One the next page you can look for 1975 rookeries anywhere in Shropshire, in detail, on an aerial photograph – log onto the web site below and follow the links to GoogleEarth and you have the chance to check out 1975 sites and, as they come in, 2008 sites. If you send one in this year it will (if you agree) have your name on it. Perhaps you could cover your parish, perhaps 3–5 sites? Your help will be acknowledged in my final report and I look forward to hearing from you.

SRS08 is supported by the
Shropshire Ornithological Society.

Shropshire Ornithological Society Rookeries data webpage

And to the BTO for use of their 1975 rookeries data.

For the main SRS08 site click here, for Google Maps 2008 survey results click here

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