Helping Hampshire’s House Martins

Birds on the Brink recently awarded a grant to the Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) to support their House Martin Project. The money will help the society provide artificial House Martin nest cups ahead of the coming breeding season.

Above: A House Martin in the process of creating a natural nest cup from mud and saliva. Artificial nest boxes save them the effort, and boost their chances of breeding success. Photo ©Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd

I asked Keith Betton, Chair of HOS about the work of the society.

Keith told me: ‘HOS records and publishes information about wild birds in the county of Hampshire. With a membership of around 2,000 members, it organises walks and other meetings to encourage people to learn more about birds. Its publications include the authoritative annual Hampshire Bird Report.’

Keith continued: ‘HOS also organises a range of surveys to provide reliable information on scarce or declining birds. An example is the current House Martin Survey which has identified where the birds have nesting colonies. HOS also provides nesting cups for home-owners who want to welcome this delightful bird.’