file

Transcription

file

a million
voices for
nature
Group Web Site:
Group Leaders:
www.rspb.org.uk/groups/nwsurrey
Dave and
Mary Braddock Newsletter Editor:
Geoff Porter
Autumn 2012
(For more contact details please see the back page of this newsletter)
SUFN - p2-6 Nature Ramblings - p6 FLABERLOSS - p7 Events INs & OUTs p7 -12 Odds ‘n ends - p13 Future Events - p15-16
LEADER’S RAMBLINGS
Hello all.
I hope you all have had a good summer? I can't believe a new season is here. I know that time gets faster as we get older
but it only seems like last month that I was writing the Spring leader's report. Mary and myself have spent a part of the
Summer sorting out RSPB paperwork but we still have had time to enjoy ourselves away from the "job" and recharge our
batteries for the coming year. We had to rethink our plans for a garden and vegetable plot to benefit wildlife due to the water
shortage but we are now on track again as the event eases with a traditional British Summer!!
As a group we have had a very busy but rewarding Summer. As well as the achievements inside I will mention just a few
here due to lack of newsletter space. Marion and her team took over £320 from a street collection at Long Acres garden
centre, Mary and co have been giving talks to the local community and I have made a profit of over £650 from selling plants
and we made a profit of £185 at the Shepperton Jubilee Fair. As you can see the group has not been taking it easy and my
thanks go out to all of you that were involved in any of the events.
Reading inside you will see that Frank, Brian and Peter have prepared a fantastic season of indoor and outdoor goodies
for the year ahead so please feel free to come and visit us or support them. Mentioning lack of newsletter space earlier, we
have decided to go to four editions a year due to the amount of events we do and articles that are sent in by members. This
is a good problem to have as it shows that the group is thriving and we will not have to try and cram everything in or leave
anything out. Please keep sending the articles in as it is a problem Geoff and myself enjoy!! The publishing dates will be
September (Autumn), November (Winter), February (Spring) and May (Summer).
Geoff's new style of newsletter is bedding in well due to his hard work. Favourable comments are coming in especially about
the larger photos. It's very encouraging as it will take a few editions for him to get into his stride. If you have any comments
please let either Geoff or myself know. Also any articles are welcome, they don't need to be just about birds but Nature in
general will be OK. Space is a premium so please try to keep articles to a reasonable size. Group achievements and indoor
and outdoor articles take precedence but other items will all be used.
One of the changes you will find this edition is that we are not going to print a separate programme for the new season. This
will reduce printing costs but we are incorporating it at the back of the newsletter with all the contact details etc which can
be removed if you wish to keep hanging up somewhere. This will give the newsletter/programme I think a more integral feel.
Another change being tried this time for the electronic version is click through links.
I will leave it to Geoff to explain.
Here's to a new season.
Dave Braddock.
Welcome!
A very warm welcome to the following new group members.
Paul Windsor ( Addlestone )
Graham and Andree McMullen ( Wisley )
We look forward to meeting you at our indoor and outdoor events.
Dave Braddock
Obituary.
It is with great sadness for me that again I have to write that our group has lost another good friend, Brenda
Hunter. She has been our “tea lady” for as long as I can remember. Our tea breaks will not be the same.
She will be sadly missed by the group at the indoor meetings and our thoughts go out to her family.
Dave Braddock
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CUT OFF DATES,
THESE ARE NOW AT THE LATEST, THE FIRST SATURDAYS OF - JANUARY, APRIL, JULY AND OCTOBER.
Thank you for your input to the newsletter, whether an article, a photo or a comment / letter.
1
RSPB NW Surrey Local Group – Autumn 2012
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
Local Group News & Achievements
Brighton Marathon.
An early four o’clock alarm on Sunday 15th April woke me from my light slumbers a little tense
but eager to take on the challenge of the day. Elaine and Andrew dropped me off at Preston Park
Brighton by seven to register and collect my race number. The morning was bright but cool,
perfect for Marathon running.
Nine o’clock came around and the 18,000 runners, all happy and full of energy, took off under the start banner, waved away
by Gus Poyet (Brighton FC manager). There was a cavalcade of Brighton MOD’s riding immaculate scooters, HEART FM
vehicles plus an open topped Cadillac with film start look-a-likes. After 385 yards we passed under a banner proclaiming
only 26 miles to go !
I felt strong and overtook the race pacemakers bearing banners showing sub four hour times, a little while later I passed
the pacemakers showing sub 3 hour 45 minute banners. Surely this was too good to be true – and it WAS ! At around eight
miles, just past Roedean school on the hillside overlooking Brighton Marina, a sharp pain made itself felt in my right calf
muscle, this was worrying as I had comfortably trained to 13 miles without any severe pains. How am I going to handle the
next 18 miles I thought ?
Halfway distance was the Hilton Hotel on the seafront. There was plenty of crowd support and much goodwill in evidence.
The course headed out towards Portslade then turned back towards Brighton, then another turn back out towards
Shoreham. I knew the final turn was around the Shoreham power station, the chimney could clearly be seen but never quite
seemed to come any closer. I was in my own little zone of trying to block out the discomfort and not concentrate on how
many miles still remained – too many.
I was longing for the Shoreham power station and for the course to turn onto the seafront, after what seemed like years
running past not so scenic industrial units in Shoreham the route eventually turned for home and onto the seafront. Only
four miles to go, every speed hump in the road was painful to run over, I was getting a sun burnt head and worrying that
anytime now I was going to be overtaken by the sub 3 hour 45 minutes pacemakers. Sure enough somewhere along the
Hove seafront the pacemakers sailed past me and I was hanging on grimly, telling myself that the distance left was purely
2
a gentle training jog. I could see the pier in the distance and was vaguely aware of hordes of cheering supporters but was
still in my own little world of agony.
Eventually the finish line came into view, and it was a great feeling of relief to have made it. All finishers were greeted with
medals, commemorative tee-shirts, goody bags and banana’s along with a foil blanket to retain body heat. I made my way
gingerly to the meet and greet area with rapidly tightening legs, sitting down immediately would have been a bad idea –
getting up again may have been impossible! Elaine and Andrew found me pretty quickly and we took in the sea views and
watched many other competitors recovering and suffering in their own various ways.
Anybody who completes a marathon has achieved something pretty special. There was a real feel-good atmosphere in
the air. My finishing time was 3 Hours 42 Minutes and 47 Seconds and I raised £521.00 for the RSPB.
The Brighton marathon is only in its third year, the venue is superb. I am sure it will grow to become almost as famous as
London. I write this account on Wednesday 18th and I can confirm I am only just starting to walk normally again !
Words by Paul Brindley, Photo by the Brindley Family
A Gardening and “Artful” weekend.
As a Group we get asked along to all sorts of events. The end of March had us attending not
just one event but two on the same weekend. A small team went out to Vermeulen’s Garden
Centre near Ashford while another team joined Ashford Art at their Exhibition as they had
offered to give us a donation.
Vermeulen’s were keen to have us there to help with information for their customers. There was particular interest on
planting gardens with wildlife in mind and how to manage nest boxes at this time of year. Some emphasis was placed on
providing water for wildlife as gardens and countryside is so dry this year as a result of very little rainfall. Thanks to Alan
S, Marion and Mick who chatted their way through Saturday afternoon.
The other venue was the Exhibition of the Ashford Art Club. This club was formed in 1970 and now has a large
membership. It provides a meeting place for all those interested in painting and drawing of any ability and artists come
along regularly to demonstrate various forms of art and outings are arranged during the year.
Exhibitions are held twice a year and all members, including the less experienced ones are encouraged to exhibit at least
one of their works. This particular Exhibition was having a charity silent bid and the Club had decided to give the proceeds
3
from this to the RSPB. Their write up can be found at
http://www.ashfordart.co.uk/. It was a very pleasant weekend with
a steady flow of visitors over the two days, with time in between to chat to exhibitors and to have a good look at the paintings
on display. The great news is that the Exhibition raised a donation of £158.50 for the RSPB which has gone towards our
Heathland, Marine and Children’s projects.
Many thanks to the people who raised this amount through their art.
Thanks to Alan P, Janet, Paul, Hannah, David and Mary for their help.
Photo and article by Mary Braddock
North West Surrey Local RSPB Group – Spring Fayre May 2012
Saturday 5th May arrived and with temperatures lower than at Christmas one could be forgiven
for thinking that the weather for our ‘Spring Fayre’ was not living up to its billing. Were we put off?
Not at all. This was our 9th year at Shepperton Village Hall which once again provided the venue
for the major fund raising event of our annual calendar.
With tables groaning under the weight of cakes, jams and plants the good people of Shepperton started to arrive in search
of the many bargains, morning coffee and a little speculation in the form of the tombola and raffle.
The Schools Painting Competition once again proved popular with the children from the local schools of St Nicholas, Saxon,
Littleton C of E and Manor Mead. The topic this year was Garden Wildlife for 5-7 year olds, and British Wildlife for the 8-11
year olds. There were a large number of entries and the standard was very high, and the difficult task of judging was kindly
carried out by Councillor Caroline Spencer who commented how difficult it was to choose between the entries.
Winners of the Painting Competition were :Age Group 8-11
First:
Luke Wabro from St Nicholas C of E Primary School with his picture of a seagull.
Runner Up:
Amber May Brook from Saxon Primary School with her picture of an ‘Owl in a Tree’.
Age Group 5-7
First:
Runner Up:
Elysia Fisk from St Nicholas C of E Primary School with her collage.
Michael Makina from Manor Mead School with a picture of an owl.
Our thanks to Thorpe Park who donated tickets as part of the prize for the winners in each group.
We would also like to welcome Luke, Amber May, Elysia and Michael as new Wildlife Explorer members of the RSPB,
thanks to the sponsorship from several of our local group members.
A big thank you to the people of Shepperton who turned out to support this event and also to Shepperton Studios, Tesco,
Blubeckers, Thames Court and Squires Garden Centre all of whom helped to raise £781.33. An amazing feat in these
difficult financial times.
The proceeds will be used by the RSPB for protecting and maintaining Heathland in Southern England, Coastal Marine
Life around our shores and children’s wildlife and environmental education. An excellent outcome to a fantastic morning.
Alan Sharps
4
STEPPING UP FOR NATURE, RSPB VOLUNTEERING.
The passion and enthusiasm that Dave and Mary display for wildlife conservation is contagious.
By chance I was wandering around Birdfair last August when I was approached by a lady on the
RSPB stand asking had I considered an RSPB volunteering holiday. Well I had given it some
thought but felt it wasn't for me. She gave me a volunteering brochure and a very persuasive chat and I went home that
night and thought why not ?
I duly submitted my application form for a weeks residential volunteering work (4 preferences), I couldn’t believe my luck
when I received my letter of confirmation that I had been accepted for a week at operation Osprey at Loch Garten in May
2012. On Saturday 5th May I was introduced to my fellow volunteer colleagues for the next seven days and we were split
into three teams, each of two, and given our shift rosters. We were then taken to the "private" Forward Hide and our
work/monitoring duties were carefully explained. What a privilege to be part of the team working on Operation Osprey,
monitoring all movements and nest protection. We were all made so welcome and made to feel part of the team by the
RSPB staff.
Whilst the visitor centre was open to the public we were invited to assist the RSPB staff engaging visitors and informing
them of Osprey activity. This was a pleasure, the visitors were so interested in the information we had to impart and Loch
Garten is a very special place. From the moment I arrived I enjoyed every minute of my experience and it has given me a
desire to volunteer again as soon as I can.
Memorable highlights - apart from the magic of witnessing the Osprey's ‘EJ’ and ‘Odin’ so closely ?
Watching a cuckoo calling for a good 30 minutes, and watching a displaying capercaillie "Strutting His Stuff" for a good 20
minutes late one afternoon when they had been so elusive that morning at "official Caper Watch".
Both experiences were first's for me and I feel privileged to have taken part in such a worthwhile and rewarding scheme.
I should also say that the RSPB staff made me very welcome and made a point of thanking me for my efforts. Special thanks
to John Ingham (osprey warden) and Richard Thaxton (Abernethy Reserve Manager).
Words and Photos by Paul Brindley
RSPB Community
Here’s a link to our RSPB South East blog. If you’d like to have a read, we’re doing it via our RSPB Community pages.
www.rspb.org.uk/community/ourwork/b/southeast/default.aspx
5
Bridges, Birds and Boats
back to Mill Pond.
Early on Sunday 6th May I was
walking alongside the canal being
mindful that the pair of swans
there should have youngsters.
The swan family had by then thankfully been reunited but
were in a shallow corner of water unable to get back into the
canal. The man removed the plank and turned his boat
around to make his way back. Within seconds the cob called
to the family and as one they all turned and tentatively made
their way into the canal, the cob looked at me and made his
funny noise and then all five swam off in pursuit of the boat.
They escorted him all the way back to the canoe club and I
followed on the footpath. By the time he reached the landing
point he was grinning and called to me “That was a good job
done”.
It was bitterly cold but I wasn’t too worried as these are
experienced parents. As I rounded the corner on my way to
Coxes Mill I saw the cob bird in the middle of the canal at the
small entrance to the Mill Pond (which is on the other bank).
This is the area they have used for their nest site for years
and as I approached I realised he was calling in distress.
There was no sign of the pen bird or any youngsters and
alarmingly a makeshift bridge had been made across the Thank you “man in the red boat” for rescuing our local swan
water and it looked like the nest had been disturbed – my family and for “Stepping up for Nature”.
Mary Braddock
thought patterns ran wild! I felt helpless. It was then that I
noticed the pen with two small balls of grey fluff on the far
side of Mill Pond, she too was very distressed. I faintly heard
her call, the cob responded and as he did so I realised that
he had a youngster tucked under his wing. It was obvious
that the two adult birds had become split up and not being
able to use their usual way between canal and pond were
now totally separated, their distress was tangible.
Somehow this makeshift bridge had to be removed!
I needed a boat - and urgently!
As I had walked I had noticed a light on in the canoeing club
window on the other bank and decided to try to see if anyone
there could help. I jogged back along the path, got my car
and went looking for the canoe club. I eventually found it,
knocked on the locked door and told this slightly bewildered
man my story. He kindly offered to take out a boat to see if
he could help. Taking my car back home I jogged back along
the canal until I caught up with him, and we made our way
Nature Ramblings
Red Deer
Red deer are our largest native deer. They can live for over eighteen years. Most wild deer are found in the Highlands of
Scotland with a small number found in Exmoor. The hunting estates and London parks of Henry VIII hold large herds of
semi-wild animals. Mature stags stage the annual rut in late September/early October.
The rut consists of stags trying to intimidate a
rival for the right to mate with a harem
consisting of several females. There is a lot of
bellowing and roaring, parallel walking and, if
this does not work, a fight with locking antlers
can begin. Sometimes this can be fatal or
cause serious injuries.
Rutting takes a lot of strength and the male
stags usually don't feed during this time. They
can lose up to a third of their body weight
during the rut. Any females mated during this
time give birth to a single fawn in early May.
There is a worry that Red deer are mating with
introduced Sika deer and hybridising and
eventually in a few years time the only "wild
deer" will probably be on remote Scottish
islands.
Dave Braddock
6
Many Steps for Nature…
Sponsored Flaberloss
‘What?’ I hear you ask. Let me try to explain. Many of you
may already know that Mick Cooper has valiantly agreed to
organise the Spring Fayre once again for next year. Mick is
currently on a bit of a health campaign which you may have
failed to notice and I have talked him into taking part in a
sponsored slim which we are going to call Flaberloss. There
is a reason for the name which I will go into at our evening
meetings. Now, Mick will be busy organising the Fayre and
is generally far too shy to ask for your financial support, but
on the other hand, I am not!! So Mick has agreed that I
should be his agent, Mr 10% as we call it in the business,
again I will explain the 10% bit at later meetings. In agreeing
to me managing the Flaberloss, Mick has signed away all of
his rights for me to be nice to him – silly boy.
It will work something like this. We will get Mick’s weight
certified at the outset by his ‘personable’ trainer.
The sponsorship will run from this year’s AGM through to the
Spring Fayre in May 2013 when his weight will again be
certified. Mick’s personal target is to try and lose about 2
stone. You will have noticed that my fat friend doesn’t suffer
from anorexia so I am proposing that we sponsor his weight
loss by the ton!! For example £2240 per ton would be equal
to £1 per lb.
There is a big risk that he could lose considerably more
weight, against his target that is, not a ton!! So you can cap
the sum that you sponsor to an amount you feel comfortable
with. All the proceeds will contribute towards the Spring
Fayre takings and will be donated in full to the RSPB. I really
don’t think that he realises what he has let himself in for, so
let’s try to make it an enjoyable Flaberloss by generously
supporting him in this most healthy of endeavours.
Mr 10% (Alan Sharps)
The Ins & Outs - Events
Indoor Meeting,
Sir William Perkins's School, Chertsey
Penguins to Puffins by Richard Coomber
Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Following a short review of seabird classification, this two part talk dwelt initially on ocean-going birds of the North Atlantic
and the Seychelles and secondly on those found mainly in the Pacific Ocean. Richard used his almost encyclopedic
knowledge gained from numerous birding tours to bring to life many of the lovely birds mentioned in his presentation. The
digital images were often first class, especially of seabirds in flight, and in the first half included red-tailed and white-tailed
tropic birds, gannets massed on the Bass Rock, bridled and common guillemots on the Farne Islands, a very smart black
and white sooty tern with its dark grey chick (hence the name), shags, kittiwakes and razorbills.
The second half brought us, amongst many others, the three species of albatross that breed in the North Pacific
(short-tailed, laysan and black-footed) and the rare whiskered auklet together with red-footed and blue-footed boobies, and
a lava gull (one of the rarest gulls in the world) on the Galapagos Islands.
We also heard about the nocturnal feeding and beautiful swallow-tailed gull which, Richard said, has learnt to follow cruise
ships at night because the lights help them to see the surface squid on which they feed. Other memorable pictures included
a rock cormorant on the nest (Cape Horn), king penguins on South Georgia and chinstrap penguins on the South Sandwich
Islands, a wandering albatross and the common Wilson’s storm petrel.
Pictures of a few sea mammals (leopard seal, humpback whales and orcas for example) completed this entertaining and
at times amusing talk.
Brian Shreeve
7
Trip to
West Dean Woods, Sussex
Sunday 25th March 2012
Managed by the bSussex Wildlife Trust, much of this wood is strictly private. However, there are a limited number of rights
of way that provide reasonable access to this extensive site. The principal route is the public bridleway which runs along
the western edge, extends over the northern side and then back down the eastern edge. This mature woodland contains a
good number of bird species, which vary depending on the season. Some of the key species are willow tit and hawfinch,
and is one of the few remaining sites left in Sussex for these birds.
Arriving in the car park at 09.00, surrounded by singing chiffchaff, tIts and robin, ten of the group assembled for our first visit
to this woodland. Discussing the route and my thoughts about carrying lunch, I admitted to the group that this was also my
first visit and that we would be playing this one by ear. My decision was to carry our lunch with us but several decided to
leave it in the car (a decision that they later rued). We started off along the western edge of the wood and immediately
discovered some of the species that we had come to see. Lesser redpoll were in full voice, marsh tit were singing and
nuthatch were calling loudly. Added to this choir were blue and great tit, chaffinch and greenfinch. All in all, an impressive
wall of sound and a real celebration to the start of British Summer Time.
Further on we also had good numbers of siskin displaying and singing. These impressive yellow / green finches, with dark
caps bright well rumps and yellow flashes to the wings and tail are beautiful little birds. The views of the crossbill were
stunning. Several rosy red males were seen very close up and sitting in the sunshine, looked stunning. The females were
equally impressive in their green livery, with several still gathering nesting materials. This species is one of our earliest
breeding woodland birds. Another key bird for this sight is firecrest, with upwards of 50 present in good years. We were not
disappointed, with views of at least three of four birds, their black eye stripe showing up well against the bright white
supercilium.
It was just after this that we took a slightly wrong route – I missed a right hand turn, which added an hour to our walk. After
back tracking to the correct path (with the help of two other walkers with a map!!), we decided to stop for a well-earned break
(and lunch for those that had carried it with them). It was at this point that a large raptor flew overhead. We had been seeing
good numbers of buzzard throughout the morning and my first thought was that this bird was another buzzard – a large bird
with fingered wings. However, due to the light under tail coverts, no comma’s on the underside of the wings (that were
possibly lightly barred) and quick direct, non-flapping flight it is possible that this was a large female goshawk. My only
concern was that I thought that the bird was brown, whereas a female goshawk would be grey. In future, I will have a better
look at all birds when I have the opportunity and not be so dismissive.
On finally returning to the cars (around 14.50), the rest of the group had lunch before we moved off to a nearby farm to try
and find a little owl, in a dead conifer tree. Fifteen minutes of searching provided no evidence of the little owl. At this point
seven of us headed off to Kingley Vale NR. Ten minutes later and five minutes from Kingley Vale, I received a call from Alan
Sharp saying, ‘we are watching the owl’!!
We parked up at the reserve car park and walked the fifteen minutes to the reserve entrance. By now it was about 16.20
and we had a 3.5 km walk ahead of us, some of which was rather steep. After a short discussion, the general opinion was
that we head back to the cars and have another look for the little owl.
Returning to the farm, I put my bins up and looked at the top of the dead conifer tree, straight at the little owl. It was sitting
there in full view and gave great views for the twenty minutes that we were there. It was now 17.30 and it was decided, that
we all head for home.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip.
Frank Clark
Indoor Meeting, Sir William Perkins's School, Chertsey
California Dreaming by Mary Braddock
Wednesday 25th April 2012
From the marine reserves off the central coast of California to the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park, then inland
to Lake Mono before travelling to San Francisco and the raptor gateway on Hawk Hill – such was the virtual journey outlined
by our joint Leader in her enthralling presentation. And what a fascinating journey it was, illustrated with stunning images
of the picturesque landscape with its colourful bird life in particular.
Who could fail to be impressed by photographs of the spectacular Bridalveil Fall, the least and pectoral sandpipers, the
striking orange-billed Heermann’s gull and the black-footed albatross in flight. There were also lovely pictures of several
species of butterfly (including a tiger swallowtail) and various mammals including an appealing pair of raccoons, humpback
whales and California sea-lions.
I liked too the fine close-up of a great grey owl, the California quail with its quaint head plume, a red-tailed hawk in the centre
of San Francisco and Mary’s fine shot of the huge turkey vulture. But best of all, in my opinion, was her splendid photograph
of a lesser yellowlegs in the evening sunshine.
All in all, an evening to remember.
Brian Shreeve
8
Mid Week Walk - Bushy Park
Thursday 26th April 2012
Weather: Frequent blustery light showers in moderate wind, temperature 12C.
Six of us gathered at the Diana Fountain car park on a rather wild, wet and windy day. The idea was to look for summer
migrants but the conditions left something to be desired.
Heading first for the shelter of the Pheasantry Plantation,
we were glad to get out of the wind as the first of many light
showers approached. The ponds here hold quite a few
water birds, mainly mallards, but almost the first on offer
was a pair of mandarins which posed for us on the first
piece of water encountered, having just flown in. Like most
of the park, this area was full of jackdaws and very noisy
ring-necked parakeets. As many will be aware, Bushy Park
is Egyptian goose central and it wasn’t long before a pair
with a single well-grown gosling checked us out for food
bearing possibilities. The youngster had been well trained
and made a bee-line for us from some distance away. No
luck this time! Elsewhere in this area we found a great
spotted woodpecker, a mistle thrush, several nuthatches
and a treecreeper.
Moving on to the adjacent Woodland Plantation which,
unlike the shrubbery of the previous area, is much wilder,
albeit with some planting of azaleas etc., we finally got
views of a chiffchaff and some of the black caps that we
had previously only been hearing. There were also plenty
of wrens singing. A walk along the Longford River
produced not a lot but we did come across a rather
obliging song thrush that was feasting on earth worms that
had been brought near to the surface by the wet weather.
Taking advantage of a break in the showers we now
headed out across the open grassland, heading for the
pavilion, where lesser spotted woodpeckers had been
reported.
Grey Heron
En route, Geoff managed to pick up some distant male
wheatears that gave reasonable scope views, green
woodpeckers were quite numerous and a single skylark
could be heard but not seen. We drew a blank on the
lesser spotteds and on talking to one of the park staff we
were told that they hadn’t been seen for a couple of weeks,
having previously been quite reliable. There is only
believed to be a single pair here anyway.
Cutting back through the Pheasantry we passed the impressive new visitor centre and café before heading towards the car
park and the string of ponds, negotiating some grazing deer on the way. These don’t look so impressive at this time of year,
some were moulting, one male had one antler only and others were growing their new set of antlers which were still covered
in velvet. Starting at the ’Leg of Mutton’ pond, where Nigel spotted the only swallow of the day, we headed back to the car
park along the Longford River noting red-crested pochard of the resident (pinioned?) flock, common pochard, gadwall,
tufted duck and grey heron in addition to the numerous moorhens and coots that live here.
The resident mute swan pair gave short-shift to a pair of Canada geese that attempted to muscle-in on their personal pond.
All-in-all it was an enjoyable morning despite the weather and although we didn’t find anything too exciting it was interesting
to explore new areas and also not have to be wary of testosterone-loaded stags ready to fight all-comers!
Words and Photo, Peter Hambrook
Trip to -
Dungeness, ARC Pits & RSPB Reserve
Sunday 29th April 2012
Opening the curtains, to a wet and windy morning, the thought of standing on the beach at Dungeness was a bit daunting.
Leaving Ashford at 06.00, with the two posties, we proceeded to the venue, arriving at the car park at 07.20. However,
unlike normal visits to this site, there was a bit of reticence about getting out of the warm car. We were finally persuaded to
brave the elements when two more of the group arrived. Reaching the beach, we were lucky to find the sea hide occupied
and were very happy to accept the invite out of the rain. Birds present included common and sandwich tern, the usual gull
9
species, gannet and a
lone kittiwake. Having
decided to proceed to
the patch, we picked up
a black tern and two
additions to the outing,
in the form of Geoff – our
newsletter editor and his
partner.
Warning - Never trust a Hide !
Those that remained in
the hide got views of our
only skua – a Bonxie.
On the return to the car
park several willow
warblers
and
a
whitethroat, were in the
light scrub behind the
seawall.
Shelduck Rear!
Arriving at the car park to pick up two new arrivals, the nine of us had a walk around the old observatory looking for summer
migrants. Whitethroat were present in small numbers, their scratchy call being the only sound we heard in that area. The
only other species seen was a female blackcap. A quick walk around the mixed scrub at the long pit produced no additional
species. Around 10.50, we headed off to the ARC Pits but stopped at the eastern end to watch both yellow wagtail and
several blue-headed yellow wagtails. This continental form is a sub-species of our more common visitor and in my opinion
a more handsome bird. Arriving at the ARC Pits just before 11.00 we visited both the hide and the screen. Birds present
in the ever improving weather included swift, house martin, swallow, several species of duck, little egret and a single
spotted redshank. By 12.30 we were outside the visitors centre tucking into our much needed lunch.
After lunch, we headed off around the RSPB reserve in an anti-clockwise direction. Additions to our list, as we proceeded
around the reserve included marsh harrier, grey heron, a single raven, good numbers of linnet, a solo little gull, a pair of
sparrowhawks, several hobby, a singing and very obliging Cetti’s warbler and a single bearded tit. A trio of whimbrel were
present on the grass behind Christmas Dell hide and final additions included shoveler, teal and ringed plover.
Returning to the car park, we set off for home at 17.00. Thanks to all those that attended this outing, particularly as the
weather was so foul at the start of the day.
Words by Frank Clark
Photos by Geoff Porter
10
Mid-week walk - Wey Meadows
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Weather: Warm and sunny with clear skies. 26C.
Having recovered from the shock of some really decent
weather for a change, five of us set out to explore our Group
Leaders’ local patch.
First birds up were a pair of blackcaps by the path and a
family of coots were on a shallow area of water between the
parking area and Wey Manor Farm (in reality, now rebuilt as
a large country house from its previous very dilapidated
state).
The property has extensive horse paddocks surrounding it
which provided quite a bit of bird interest. Song and Mistle
thrushes hunted the long grass and a family of newly
fledged goldfinches were feeding on weed seed heads
nearby, while a few swallows flew overhead.
Moving on we checked over the flooded workings, hoping
for a late wader or two but without success. However there
were several little grebes, a pair of common terns, a very
close whitethroat and both greylag and Canada geese, the
latter with young, while the local frogs gave us a rousing
refrain from the water’s edge. The first highlight of the day
was a hobby, first spotted by Geoff, which gave good views
as it hunted overhead. We were to see this, or another, on
two other occasions during our walk.
Common Whitethroat by Peter Hambrook
The shortcut to the adjacent Wey Navigation has now been
sealed off, which is a shame if you only want to do a short
walk. We, however, were doing the full circuit so headed
over the railway crossing and through the mobile home park
to the riverside road to Weybridge. In truth this was quieter
than expected but after some searching most of us did get
onto a singing garden warbler in the roadside vegetation.
A short hike through the back-streets of Weybridge and up through the mature trees added nothing of note but took us over
the railway at the station and down to the pools and woodland in the no-man’s land between the railway lines.
Crossing the River Wey, Steve spotted a male kingfisher which obligingly landed in view and some also spotted a second
one. The first large lake held a nesting great crested grebe with a single egg visible but little else. Crossing the second
railway line we headed back towards New Haw adding green woodpecker and jay to our list.
Words and photo by Peter Hambrook
Indoor Meeting, Sir William Perkins’s School, Chertsey, Surrey
From Shetland to The Scillies, by Ashley Grove
Wednesday 23rd May 2012
Ashley is a professional bird photographer and quite obviously one of considerable skills as he treated us to a feast of high
quality slides. Particularly impressive were the common birds, taken around his local patch in the Midlands.
Starlings, little grebes and a magnificent bullfinch were especially memorable, all shown in brilliant plumage, principally as
a result of Ashley’s skill with light (and no doubt, patience). I did not know before how to distinguish male and female
goldfinches (the red on the face stretches behind the eye only on the male) or that bearded tits’ black moustachial stripe is
made up by overlapping black feathers.
Wader enthusiasts will have delighted in the variety of species shown; avocets in flight against a grey sky from above and
below were particularly splendid. From the Shetlands there were the standard delightful pictures of puffins and one
memorable black guillemot photographed in the red reflection of a boat. On Scilly, rarities such as a point blank Lapland
bunting.
The talk was delivered in a jovial manner with a few jokes, some of them visual - for example an angry looking pheasant
and a bored peregrine. The variety of birds photographed through his bedroom window made for a nice double entendre.
We had a musical finale, a montage of Ashley’s photos with musical accompaniment. I am not sure that the proboscis
monkey, little bee eater or brown bears were in keeping with the rest of the talk; more likely they were a hint that Ashley
has other talks, which hopefully we will have an opportunity to hear sometime in the future.
Ken Sutton
11
Trip to Paxton Pits
Sunday 27th May 2012
With the promise of tea and biscuits, an excellent weather forecast and a new site for the group, I had high hopes for a good
visit. The reserve is currently a 77 hectare site, made up of lakes, meadows, grassland, scrub and woodland. Over the next
ten years, further gravel will be extracted and the end result will be that the reserve will expand to cover an area of 280
hectares. This ambitious project will see a new 24 hectare reed bed, extra lakes and islands, new wildflower meadows and
new areas of managed scrub for one of the star species on the reserve – the nightingale.
Arriving at 08.50, we were met by a number of the volunteer wardens from the Friends of Paxton Pits. They explained their
role and future vision for the reserve and it was apparent from their enthusiasm that they would ultimately achieve
everything they wanted for the reserve. Heading out on the heron trail, we quickly heard and saw cuckoo. Several
nightingale were seen in the scrub near the visitor centre and willow warbler were singing and showing well in the same
area. A hobby gave us good views as it chased dragonflies across the reserve, whilst common tern and kingfisher were
seen from the first hide. Two peregrine were also seen soaring high over the reserve.
A good variety of warblers were present including whitethroat, chiffchaff, reed warbler, garden warbler, sedge warbler and
lesser whitethroat (heard only). A single turtle dove was seen on a wire at the end of the heron trail. In the same area, we
had yellowhammer, linnet and skylark. After our tea and biscuits and lunch, we popped to the rear of the reserve following
reports of a Temminck’s stint. After a long walk we reached the area where the stint was reported and did manage to see
the bird. This is a small wader, even smaller than a dunlin, which breeds on bogs in the high tundra or taiga. It is a long-tailed
bird and the distinguishing features include a pure white belly, a complete breast band, grey-brown head and pale yellow
legs. Other birds in the area included redshank, oystercatcher, dunlin, ringed plover and little ringed plover. A lone male
marsh harrier soared across the area, finishing our day.
Returning to the car park, we set off for a visit to the river Thames to look for a reported Bonaparte’s gull. Unfortunately we
missed the bird by an hour. Thanks to everyone who attended this outing.
Frank Clark
Campaign Corner
Don’t forget to do your bit for Stepping up for Nature, the RSPB’s campaign to reverse the negative trend in biodiversity
by 2020.
Here are some new suggestions for taking part:
VOLUNTEER
You could volunteer with your workmates for a RSPB corporate challenge. Great for team building!
DO
Try using alternative methods to pesticides in your garden (my favourite is using soapy suds to deter black fly).
CAMPAIGN
Complain against the proposed scrapping of hundreds of vital environmental legislation and regulations. The so
called 'Red Tape Challenge' which could leave our wildlife and countryside unprotected. If you haven’t already
taken part, please visit this page for more information.
www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/redtapechallenge.aspx
GIVE
To the RSPB Rainforest Appeal. Don’t forget what Mary told us about Tesco ‘Together for trees’ at the AGM; you
can donate your green clubcard points or money off vouchers to the Appeal via this worthwhile scheme. You can
do this via www.togetherfortrees.com/.
We are still being encouraged to say “No” to proposals to build a Thames Estuary Airport.
The Thames Estuary is a globally recognised, and protected coastal wetland, relied on by thousands of wildfowl and
wading birds. Any airport would cause immense damage to the wildlife and environment. The risk of bird strike alone is
estimated to be 12 times greater than at any other major UK airport. Meanwhile the airport would be responsible for
massive releases of greenhouse gases, adversely affecting climate change.
Please oppose this scheme and learn more here www.rspb.org.uk/noestuaryairport.
Sarah Young.
North West Surrey Group, Volunteer Campaigns Champion
12
A Wet Spring at Thorpe Park
brings tribulations for some of the resident birds
It’s been a funny old year, with no winter flooding of the habitats when you would expect it but they have been flooded
twice now since the spring. Two swan nests have been lost, one to flooding the other to predation. We have had both
ringed and little ringed plovers on site. We found a ringed plover nest with four eggs but after water levels rose we
discovered two chicks which made it and two that failed to hatch in time to escape. We ringed the two surviving chicks,
plus another slightly larger chick that we discovered later on the island. A few weeks later, they had a second brood and
we again found a nest with four eggs in on the island. Again though, this was during a very wet period in the first week of
June, and we came in one morning to find the nest under a couple of inches of water. In addition to the plovers other
resident birds have done quite well.
Swallows. 15 ringed so far from three nests with another two nests with five eggs in each to come. Some chicks look a
little malnourished, probably due to not getting a wide enough range or quantity of inspects in their diet. But not too bad.
A side note here, we were all sitting in the mess room one day having our break when a swallow flew in the open door,
went once around the room and back out the door again, leaving a dozen people sitting with their mouths open.
Common Terns. 19 ringed so far on the rafts with another 32 eggs we have our eye on, so well up on last year.
Black-headed Gull. Four ringed on the rafts.
Lapwings. We have counted 30 eggs with a lot more nests than last year. So far 16 have been ringed but we expect that
a number were lost to flooding, bad weather or crows. So the signs are that the numbers are rising.
House Sparrows. Three ringed in a nest box on the lambing barn.
Barn Owls. There are signs of new droppings and we have put up
a second new owl box but no sightings yet.
Reed Warblers. Lots of activity. but no nests found at this stage.
Egyptian Geese. They had four young originally but one has gone
missing, but the other three are about the same size as their
parents now.
Overall, the three farm habitats have become much more settled
with a lot more activity on what was the train field. The one thing
that has been posted missing this summer so far is Kingfisher,
which none of us has seen for a few months now.
David Hill, Landscape and Conservation Manager at Thorpe Park
Submitted by Peter Hambrook
Reported by the BBC - This Bird is a SPY !
16th May 2012, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18092775
A migratory bird has caused alarm in a village in south-eastern Turkey after locals mistook it for an Israeli spy. Villagers'
suspicions were aroused when the bird, a common European bee-eater, was found dead in a field with a metal ring around
its leg stamped "Israel". They called the police after deciding its nostrils were unusually large and may have carried a
microchip fitted by Israeli intelligence for spying. It was taken to government experts for examination and declared safe.
The BBC's Jonathan Head, in Istanbul, says the regional office of the Turkish agriculture ministry examined the colourfully
plumed corpse and assured residents of the village, near the city of Gaziantep, that it was common practice to fit a ring to
migratory birds in order to track their movements.
Down at
Dungeness…
Due to space constraints, I’ve left out most of the
Dungeness reports, but I think this snippet is a
bit special though, and can be added on to the
visit to Dungeness reported on earlier.
(GP)
A wide variety of Wagtails were seen including
Yellow, White and Grey. Of more interest were
Channel Wagtail (by Keith Bunch)
the four Blue Headed and four ‘Channel’
Wagtails. The latter is considered to be a hybrid of the Yellow and Blue Headed birds.
Text and photo from RSPB Dungeness News Updates. Photographer as named with photo.
[email protected]
Smilers…
What do you call
a woodpecker
with no beak ?
A headbanger !
I’ll bet you can do better send your Smiler in to
the Ed.
13
Please note: All articles contained in this newsletter remain the copyright of the author and cannot
be used in full or part without their expressed agreement.
FINAL COPY DATE FOR THE
WINTER NEWSLETTER
Please let me have your items for the newsletter as soon as
possible, to avoid a last minute rush.
Topical items should arrive with myself no later than -
Saturday October 6th 2012.
Items may be submitted in the usual ways which include, but
are not limited to :TEXT
● Written or typed items on paper via the post;
● Faxed copies of your work, but not photographs;
● My preferred text formats are the standard office
programs and text files (MS Word, Wordpad,
Notepad, Star Office and Open Office) etc. I also
can usually open and use files created in these and
other office systems’ own publication programs
where you can insert your photo as a guide to me.
● I would ALWAYS ask for the photo to be sent as a
separate item at a high resolution.
PHOTOGRAPHS
● Actual photographs via the post;
● Photos by email should be sent at a high resolution
/ size. My preferred size is not less than 1 mb file so
I can crop if necessary. 2 mb and larger are even
better, but not more than 10 Mb maximum.
POST, FAX OR EMAIL ?
● If you have no computer access, it’s obvious - post
the items to me.
● Computer created works should ideally be sent by
email.
● ALL items can also be placed onto a CD or DVD
and posted to me if you prefer.
● Alternative storage media such as CD-RW, SD card
or USB stick are also welcome by post.
● I can accept faxes of your work, but please avoid
sending any photos by fax - they do not come out
well and will not be used.
Please note that you do not have to specify how you wish
your article to be laid out. But if you want to, you can make
a suggestion for paragraphs and headings etc.
The North West Surrey RSPB Local Group
The group was established in 1974 and is run by volunteers.
We hold regular indoor meetings between
September and June at the Sir William Perkins’s School in
Chertsey, Surrey.
Outdoor meetings are held throughout the year both locally
and farther afield, including holidays in Europe. Members of
the public are welcome to attend both the indoor meetings
and local and regional outdoor meetings.
Longer trips are available to group members only.
If you would like more information, please contact our
membership secretary at the address below or visit our web
site: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/nwsurrey.
From my Spiel Chucker….
This tome is YOUR newsletter. Not mine!
My thanks go to the regular and new submitters
of the articles and photos you have just
reviewed. In order to fit everything in I have left out a couple
of my own submissions.
To explain the ‘click through links’ mentioned in Dave’s
‘Ramblings’ could take a long time but I’ll try to explain it
short and sweet here. A bit of useless information - click
through’s are also known as hot spots.
If you take this newsletter by print you will sadly miss out on
this feature. If you can take it by electronic option (which will
save the group money as well) you will find certain sections
of text and certain other points of interest, or even photos
that will have a ‘click through’ possibility. Some text will
initially have a ‘birdhouse’ alongside it as a guide, but not all.
This will disappear at a later date. Just roll your computer
mouse over the text/photo and it will change appearance to
allow you to click on that section. This should then bring up
your browser or email program so you access the
person/organisation by email or the web, to gain more
information on a site or a variety of other possibilities. The
RSPB logos also have a click through. Give it a try. I hope
that you will find this ‘extra facility’ to be of benefit to you. Let
me know your thoughts as well!
And finally, THANK YOU all for your valuable input.
Geoff Porter, Editor
If you have a preferred other way to send items, please let
me know and I’ll advise if I can utilise that method.
If you want your posted items returned, especially if it’s on
re-writeable media (CD-RW, SD card, USB stick, etc etc),
please enclose a stamped SAE, or return label and stamp
(as appropriate), and I will return these item(s) by the next
return post.
I have target dates for receipt of your submissions to the
three Newsletters of the first full weekends of January,
April, July and October, preferably by the 1st of the month.
I reserve the right to hold items over as space
demands or as editorially necessary.
Finally, thank you all in advance for your input.
Geoff Porter, Editor
A million voices for nature
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife,
tackling the problems that
threaten our environment.
Nature is amazing – help us keep it that way.
The RSPB is part of
BirdLife International, the global
partnership of bird conservation
organisations.
14
a million
voices for
nature
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE
PROTECTION OF BIRDS
NORTH WEST SURREY GROUP
THE IN’S, OUT’S & WeBS IN 2012 - 2013
For the latest information on our group and for trip reports visit:
www.rspb.org.uk/groups/nwsurrey
YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBER’S CONTACTS
GROUP LEADERS: Mary and Dave Braddock
20 Meadway Drive, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2DT.
Tel. 01932 858692 email: [email protected]
OR [email protected]
INDOOR MEETINGS: Brian Shreeve
MEMBERSHIPS: Mick Cooper
95 Station Crescent, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 3HN.
TREASURER: Angela Pugh
MID-WEEK OUTINGS: Peter Hambrook (PH)
PUBLICITY: Alan Sharps
COMMITTEE MEMBER: Alan Pugh
SECRETARY: Jan Bagley
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Geoff Porter
c/o 12 Ashbee Close, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5HQ.
Tel. 07946 419664 Fax 07092 040983 Skype - geoff.flc
Email: [email protected]
OUTDOOR MEETINGS: Frank Clark (FC)
SEPTEMBER 2012
WeBS Sun 16th
OUT Weds 19th
Contact Peter Hambrook.
WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE, BARNES, SURREY. (PH)
Mid-morning until mid-afternoon 10:00-15:30 (1.5 miles). Wildfowl and, hopefully,
departing migrants. We will cover about a mile and a half around the site.
Meet in car park at 10:00 or in reception at 10:10. GR: TQ228770.
Note - WWT members - bring your card!
IN
Weds 26th
THE WONDERS OF BIRD MIGRATION, by John Buckingham.
A fascinating talk on one of the great mysteries of the natural world.
Sir William Perkins’s School, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 9BN.
OUT
Sun 30th
BUSHY PARK (10:00 - 13:00) 2-3 miles. (PH)
We will be able to experience the red deer rut whilst also looking for the resident
birds and for arriving winter migrants such as thrushes. Meet by the refreshment
kiosk in the large car park near to the Diana Fountain and the string of ponds.
GR: TQ160694. Loos and food available nearby.
WeBS Sun 14th
IN
Weds 24th
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
SELSEY BILL / PAGHAM HARBOUR, SUSSEX. (FC)
All day by car. Park at the end of Grafton Road (by the Bill House) at 07.30 for
a spot of sea watching. GR: SZ855921.
Then on to the Information Centre at Sidlesham Ferry at 10.00 .GR: SZ856965.
October 2012
OUT Thurs 11th
September 2012
Paradise of the Neo-Tropics, by Keith Offord.
1
2
Sun 28th
November 2012
OUT Tues 6th
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
W
T
F
All day by car. Meet at the reserve car park at 09:30 GR: TQ059164.
S
Wintering waterfowl, swans, waders and thrushes will be around in abundance on S
Contact Peter Hambrook
Pulborough Brooks / Greatham Bridge. (FC)
this excellent RSPB reserve. Then to Greatham to look for the resident Barn Owl.
IN
Weds 28th
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 29
23 30
24 31
25
26
27
28
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
December 2012
We shall be looking for winter thrushes and wildfowl. Good chance of a red kite.
Meet in the small car park on the right of the B3026 just before crossing the river M 31
channel. GR: SU929794. Loos and food available at the nearby garden centre.
T
WeBS Sun 18th
OUT Sun 25th
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
November 2012
M
T
W
Titchfield Haven & Farlington Marshes. (09.30 / 13.30). (FC)
T
All day by car. Meet at the entrance to Titchfield Haven reserve adjacent to Hill
F
Head Sailing Club at 09:30. Entrance charge applies. GR: SU535025.
The afternoon will be spent at Farlington Marshes, meeting about 13:30 at the car S
S
park GR: SU679044.
Dorney Wetlands/Jubilee River (10:00 – 13:00) 2.5 miles. (PH)
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
October 2012
The extraordinary array of birds and other wildlife to be found in Costa Rica.
Sir William Perkins’s School, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 9BN.
OUT
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
The Long Journey North, by Danny Green.
Birds and mammals of Scotland, Scandinavia and Finland in their magnificent
15
natural settings. Sir William Perkins’s School, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 9BN.
December 2012
OUT
Sun 9th
January 2013
Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve. (FC)
All day by car. Wintering birds should be in their full glory. Meet at the reserve car M
T
park at 10.00. GR: TQ552792.
WeBS Sun 16th
OUT Weds 19th
W
T
F
This restored gravel extraction site near Sandhurst has several lakes and resident S
little and barn owls. Goosanders should also be present. Meet in the reserve car S
Moor Green Lakes (10:00 - 13:00) 2.5 miles. (PH)
park off the Lower Sandhurst Road. GR: SU805628.
Please note - No facilities, but pubs are nearby in Sandhurst.
Future Events in 2013 - more details in later newsletters.
OUT - Tues 1st Jan - Papercourt
OUT - Thurs 10th Jan - Barnes
WeBS - Sun 13th Jan
IN - Weds 23rd Jan - China’s Silver Cat Bears
OUT - Sun 27th Jan - West Wittering
OUT - Tues 5th Feb - Wraysbury
OUT - Sun 10th Feb - Blashford Lakes
& Blackwater Arboretum.
WeBS - Sun 17th Feb
IN - Weds 27th Feb - Hummingbirds
WeBS - Sun 10th Mar
OUT - Weds 20th Mar - Wey Manor
OUT - Sun 24th Mar - Welney WWT
IN - Weds 27th Mar - Beautiful Birds
IN - Weds 24th April - Poole Harbour and it’s Birds
OUT - Thur 25th April - Pulborough Brooks
OUT - Sun 28th Apr - Dungeness, ARC Pits
& RSPB Reserve
OUT - Tues 14th May - Papercourt
OUT - Sun 19th May - Lakenheath Fen,
Weeting Heath and Wicken Fen
nd
IN - Weds 22 May - Futurescapes,
OUT - Weds 12th June - Thursley Common
OUT - Fri 21st June - Horsell Common evening walk
IN - Weds 26th June ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
OUT - Sun 30th Jun - Horsell Common evening walk
OUT - Thur 4th July - Bookham Common
OUT - Sun 28th July - Rye Harbour Reserve
OUT - Sun 18th Aug - Beaulieu Road Station
& Keyhaven Marshes
th
OUT - Tues 27 Aug - Staines Reservoir
OUT - Weds 18th Sept - Harmondsworth
IN - Weds 25th Sept - Regular Meeting (TBA)
OUT - Sun 29th Sept - Brownsea Island (T B C)
IN - Weds 23rd Oct - Regular Meeting (TBA)
IN - Weds 27th Nov - Regular Meeting (TBA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2013
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2013
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
April 2013
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 29
23 30
24
25
26
27
28
TRANSPORT
NEW TO BIRDWATCHING?
All are welcome at any of our outdoor meetings, but if you are new Most trips are by car but with very occasional coach or minibus
to bird watching please let the leader know if you would appreciate outings. If you require a lift please contact the outdoor leader, who
a little assistance.
may be able to arrange this for you.
CLOTHING
Please ensure that you wear appropriate clothing for the
conditions expected. Good walking boots are usually sufficient,
unless the weather has been excessively wet. Waterproofs are
strongly recommended if rain is forecast.
FOOD & DRINKS
Please bring packed lunches on all day trips as we eat where and
when we can, so that we can continue to watch birds. If the weather
is hot don’t forget to bring plenty to drink, as most of the reserves
and sites we visit do not have catering facilities.
RESERVES
Access to most reserves is free, however some do charge
admission and / or car parking fees. When visiting RSPB reserves
(or others if you are a member of the organisation involved), don’t
forget to bring your membership card, otherwise you will have to
pay the non-members fee.
SAFETY
While most sites visited have normal public access and are well
maintained, please do take care and do not ignore any safety
notices or instructions. Participation in outdoor meetings is at your
own risk.
LEADERS
The main field trips will usually be led by Frank Clark but
occasionally others may lead instead. Mid-week trips will be led by
Peter Hambrook and / or Geoff Allen. The leader will be there in all
but extreme conditions. If in any doubt please ring the appropriate
leader to check.
CONTACTS
For mid-week meetings contact Peter Hambrook, 01932 346565.
For all other meetings contact Frank Clark, 01784 421240.
GROUP INFORMATION & MEMBERSHIPS
● All indoor meetings are held, by kind permission of the
Governors, at the bSir William Perkins’s School, Guildford
Road, Chertsey, KT16 9BN. These are usually held on the
fourth Wednesday of each month excluding December, July
and August. Details may be found in this programme. Meetings
commence at 7:45 pm and finish at 10 pm Doors open at 7:15
pm. Public transport is limited. Chertsey Station is nearby, but
bus services are minimal. There is adequate parking within the
school grounds.
● Non-group members and Wildlife Explorers members are
welcome to all events. Wildlife Explorers members are free.
Other visitors are asked to donate £3 towards the costs of the
indoor meeting. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
● Group Membership for the year 2011-2012 is £10 for
individuals or £15 for couples. Please contact the Membership
Secretary at the address overleaf.
● The membership year starts with the September indoor
meeting, and is valid from September 1st to August 31st.
● Please renew promptly, either by post (please enclose a SAE),
or by Standing Order, or at the indoor meetings.
● Please Note:- Memberships that are not renewed by the
31st January immediately following, will be regarded as
having ceased until the due subscription is paid.
16

file

Transcription

Similar documents

Nature`s Home

disney game for web

Brochure

Newsletter of The RSPB Medway Local Group Winter 2013

Surf Scoter at Blue Anchor - Somerset Ornithological Society

News and comment

Pet Birds Fact Sheet - Southcrest Veterinary Centre

Paleornithology: Birds of the past

Some Birds Go