News

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

SYRIA - SABBATICAL VISIT by Chris Rollie and RESULTS OF NEW YEAR PRIZE DRAW

Lots of blue skies, lots of friendly people, lots of very interesting history and a good number of exciting birds migrating south for the winter. Yes, Syria, September 2010, courtesy of Chris Rollie, the RSPB's Area Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, on a sabbatical project to the eastern Mediterranean country before any signs of unrest and uprisings. Chris was guest speaker at the January meeting of the RSPB Galloway local group and enthused the audience with architectural as well as avian splendours.

Chris's project was hosted by the United Nations Development Fund and designed to assist and educate local conservationists in monitoring and surveying techniques, interpretation and habitat management. This assignment was based in the Abu Qubies Protected Area in the north of the country, an area of Mediterranean forest on limestone. Within this mix of oak species, pines and juniper are open clearings which were excellent for shrikes and wheatears.

An incomplete scientific study centre became a migration watchpoint and as the number of honey buzzards going overhead increased so the smiles of those involved grew wider. Black kites and goshawks passed in smaller numbers but Chris was there a bit early for the peak eagle passage. Resident rollers, orioles and woodpeckers proved some compensation.

The history of the area proved to be equally fascinating with archaeological remains dating back to biblical times and beyond. There were many Roman temples and shrines and Qubies Castle was the seat of Saladdin who defeated Richard the Lionheart.

Chris's journey began and ended in Damascus, the capital, a city that has been occupied for at least 4,000 years. Syria is a multi cultural/religious country with 17% of the population Christian despite it being an Arab country. Chris toured the colourful and aromatic bazaars en route to visit the hugely impressive mosque, the third most important in the Islamic world. A mosque has stood on this site since 705AD. The gilded mosaics are thought to be the finest examples anywhere.

In September 2010 there was little sign of the turmoil to come and Chris found everyone he met to be very friendly and courteous. Unfortunately his much anticipated return visit to follow up on the work he had initiated now seems a long way off.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 21st February in the Parish Church Hall on Queen Street, Castle Douglas. Non-members are very welcome.

John Threlfall

RESULTS OF THE NEW YEAR PRIZE DRAW ON 17 JANUARY 2012
The draw was made by Chris Rollie, after his talk.
1st - Week in holiday cottage: M ab Owain, Abergele, Conwy
2nd - John Threlfall Print: J Etherington, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire
3rd - Black Grouse Whisky: D Jakeman, York
Other Prizes: 4th - S Grieve, Palnackie, Kirkcudbrightshire; 5th - K & A Admanson, Crossmichael, Kirkcudbrightshire; 6th - J Hayton, Paisley; 7th - H Conner, Winchburgh, West Lothian; 8th - M & J Stobbs, Ayr; 9th - D Kay, Kirkpatrick Durham, Kirkcudbrightshire; 10th - K Prevett, Dumfries.