Events

Norfolk Weekend, 10 - 13 Feb

Location: Based at Hunstanton, Norfolk.

We will arrive Friday afternoon and leave on Monday.

At Snettisham on Saturday 11th Feb, there should be a spectacular wader roost on the high tide (HT 6.8m 8.34am), and hopefully good flocks of geese at dusk. On Sunday morning, we aim to go to RSPB Titchwell reserve.

NB we can only manage limited numbers, so you must BOOK EARLY, with Peter & Chris, to avoid disappointment. This weekend is for group members and their families only. Car sharing can be arranged.

Time: variable

Price: Arrange own accommodation and lunches. Group dining can be arranged. Reserve entry is free for RSPB members.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01352 716886

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

Public Meeting - Kruger National Park, South Africa

Location: St Mary's Centre, St Mary's Hill, Chester (park by the Law Courts).
Postcode: CH1 2DW (Google map)

Our own professional wildlife photographers, John & Tracey Langley, have shared an interest in both wildlife and photography that stretches back more than 30 years.

They will bring their usual wonderful photography to this illustrated talk, whose full title is 'Kruger National Park - Ingwe, Ngorni and Mapingpengs'. For a taster, see their website http://www.ourwildlifephotography.com/slide_shows.htm

There is an interval halfway through the evening, when tea, coffee and biscuits are available and there is an opportunity to chat to other members or buy bird food and bird feeders.

Time: 7.30pm

Price: £2 for members or £3 for visitors (refreshments included).

Telephone: 01244 335670

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

Field trip to Clocaenog Forest

Location: Meet at the Sainsbury end of Caldy Valley church car park, Caldy Valley Road, Chester
Postcode: CH3 5PR (Google map)

We will be looking for many unusual birds, such as Goshawk, Black Grouse, Great Grey Shrike, Crossbill, Siskin, Brambling, plus all the usual suspects.

NB this walk includes half a mile of steady climbing to the top of Craig Bron Banog.

Please call the trip leader a few days before the event to book your place and double-check the time and the meeting place. Beginners are welcome. Car-sharing can usually be arranged.

Time: 7am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01352 716886

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

Public Meeting - Cantabrican Spring

Location: St Mary's Centre, St Mary's Hill, Chester (park by the Law Courts).
Postcode: CH1 2DW (Google map)

This talk is a feast of birds, reptiles, orchids and bugs, in the time-locked land of Green Spain

NB This month's meeting is on the 4th Wednesday.

Jeff Clarke is an expert birdwatcher and all-round naturalist. Jeff has a passion for the natural world and likes to share his enthusiasm. All his talks are liberally sprinkled with humour and anecdotes that guarantee a memorable night for the audience. You can find out more at http://www.jeffclarkeecology.co.uk/

There is an interval halfway through the evening, when tea, coffee and biscuits are available and there is an opportunity to chat to other members or buy bird food and bird feeders.

Time: 7.30pm

Price: £2 for members or £3 for visitors (refreshments included).

Telephone: 01244 335670

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

AGM and Indoor Meeting - Australia; Birds of the Wetlands

Location: St Mary's Centre, St Mary's Hill, Chester (park by the Law Courts).
Postcode: CH1 2DW (Google map)

After our brief AGM, we have a welcome return visit by Geoff Trinder, a superb professional wildlife photographer. This illustrated talk is bound to provide some breath-taking photography.

A selection of Geoff's photos are at http://www.animalsanimals.com/results.asp?key=GE6416

There is an interval halfway through the evening, when tea, coffee and biscuits are available and there is an opportunity to chat to other members or buy bird food and bird feeders.

Time: 7.00 AGM, followed at 7.30 by talk

Price: £2 for members or £3 for visitors (refreshments included).

Telephone: 01244 335670

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

Coach trip to Lake Vyrnwy for woodland birds, ducks and waders

Location: The coach will depart from the Sainsbury end of Caldy Valley Church car park, Caldy Valley Road, Chester

Postcode: CH3 5PR (Google map)

In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. Migrants such as pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive. If you're lucky, you may see the mating displays of great crested grebes. Common sandpipers, dippers and grey wagtails can often be seen around the pool below the dam, and peregrines are a common sight.

Lake Vyrnwy is also an organic farm. The farm is looked after in ways that benefit birds, wildlife and the environment. The sheep graze on heather, natural herbs and grasses on the hills, which is said to improve the flavour of their meat. This unique taste of organic Welsh mountain lamb is now available at the RSPB shop on site.

For more information, see the reserve website http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakevyrnwy/

It is essential to phone the leader several weeks before the event to check availability, book your place on the coach and double-check the meeting place. Beginners are especially welcome.

Please check in advance before bringing dogs, as they may not be allowed in the reserve.

Time: 8.00 am

Price: TBC. Special price for members booking early!

Booking essential

Telephone: 01244 324268

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

Woodland birds on the sandstone ridge

Location: Meet at the Sainsbury end of Caldy Valley church car park, Caldy Valley Road, Chester.
Postcode: CH3 5PR (Google map)

We will visit a couple of different locations, probably including Maiden Castle (an Iron Age hill fort), before retiring to the Pheasant Inn for refreshments.

Car-sharing can be arranged. Please phone the leader at least three days before the event for more details, to book your place and check where the meeting place is.

Beginners are especially welcome. If you would like a lift or you can offer someone else one, please let the leader know.

Time: 7am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01829 782237

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com

An evening of bats, moths, owls and maybe nightjars.

Location: TBC. Probably meet at the Sainsbury end of Caldy Valley church car park, Caldy Valley Road, Chester

The venue for this trip will be decided nearer the time by the leader, Bernard Wright.

Mosquito repellent and a hat are essential. Walking boots are recommended. A torch might be useful.

Car-sharing can be arranged. Please phone at least three days before the event for more details and to book your place. Beginners are especially welcome.

Time: TBC, evening.

Price: Free.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01829 782243

E-mail: chester1rspb@btinternet.com