The Berkshire Ornithological Club (formerly Reading Ornithological Club, founded in 1947) promotes education and study of wild birds and their conservation in Berkshire..
There is a full programme of events, with illustrated talks at the University of Reading fortnightly from October to April and excursions, including overseas visits, through the year. The excursions range from short walks to weekend visits and visit top birdwatching sites locally and further afield. All members are welcome – beginners or experts. Joining one of these trips can be an excellent way to discover new sites, meet other birders and improve your bird-watching skills.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter and the annual Berkshire Bird Report and are are encouraged to keep records of local observations and submit them, electronically or in writing, to the County Recorder.
Conservation of important local habitats and species is important to us. Berkshire contains a growing number of excellent reserves and projects that enhance the diversity of the region. Many BOC members are involved in practical conservation work with local groups. The club runs the Birds of Berkshire Conservation Fund, which supports local bird conservation projects. Members are encouraged to participate in survey work for the BTO and other organisations to assist conservation nationally.
The Birds of Berkshire Atlas and Avifauna, the first edition of which was published in 1996, has been fully updated and revised and was published in 2013. Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs, drawings and maps, there are accounts of all the 328 species recorded in Berkshire; discussions of our changing habitats and climate and information on many sites of ornithological interest in the county.