BIRDLOVERS in West Devon are being asked to join in an ornithological survey to help establish data on the types of bird and their breeding in the area.

More than 30 years ago, the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Devon was published by Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society.

Data is now being collected for a new one which will, this time, cover not only the breeding birds but also the wintering birds of the county.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers, including many in West Devon, have submitted records for Devon but the society are hoping more bird lovers will join in.

Stella Beavan, the Devon Atlas co-ordinator, told the Times: 'There are 1,849 tetrads or part tetrads (2km by 2km areas) in Devon — a huge number — but the fantastic news is that nearly 85% have been done or are being already!

'We need surveyors to carry out timed visits to each one of those still left to do.

'For members who are new to surveying work, a TTV (through the viewfinder) involves just four visits a year of one or two hours each, two in winter and two in summer.

'As well as these timed visits, we would love to have any of your records of birds from anywhere in the county.

'Every bird counts in Atlas survey work. For example SX47 tetrad Y is an area north of Tavistock containing Wilmington. Are there really no breeding blue tits there?

'SX48 tetrad Z is just West of Bridestowe and apparently there are only two birds in that tetrad — buzzard and jay!

'SX59 M, to the west of Okehampton, near Fowley Cross, apparently only has six species of bird.

'So everyone can help — even your garden blue tit in its box may be the only one seen breeding in that tetrad.'

The Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society is using the British Trust of Ornithology Atlas website http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/birdatlas">www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/birdatlas to record the sightings or people can submit records on paper.

For further information go to the website http://www.devonatlas.co.uk">www.devonatlas.co.uk or call 01822 853785.