Events

Unless otherwise specified, you do not need to be a member of the RSPB (or the local group) to join us on our events, and birdwatching experience is not necessary. If you have any questions please call the contact number shown with the event details.

February 2012

Sat
18

Field Trip - Caerlaverock

Location: Coach leaves Newcastle on a Saturday morning 8am. GOOD FOOTWEAR AND WATERPROOFS ESSENTIAL
PACKED LUNCHES SHOULD BE TAKEN UNLESS YOU USE CAFÉ
RETURN TIME IN NEWCASTLE APPROX 6/6.30 GENERALLY

Great scenery and birds at this WWT Solway Firth reserve.

This WWT reserve on the Solway Firth is always one of our most popular trips. At this time of year the main spectacle is the thousands of barnacle geese over-wintering from their Arctic breeding grounds. They're joined by numerous whooper swans, which can be seen at close quarters. The tower observatory near the visitor centre must be one of the best vantage points at any reserve to view birds and there are many hides too. There should be time on the way back to stop at the nearby coast for sea-birds, or at Gretna for the starling roost. There is currently a group discount charge of £5.95 (£4.50 for over-65s or unemployed) for non-WWT members, although this may increase slightly for 2012. This is payable on the coach to speed the entrance to the reserve so please have the correct change ready if possible.

Time: 8am

Price: 14 pounds

Booking essential

Telephone: 07729 860 978

E-mail: newcastlerspbgroup@gmail.com

March 2012

Sat
17

Field Trip - Salthome Local RSPB Reserve

Location: Coach leaves Newcastle Saturday morning 9.30am. GOOD FOOTWEAR AND WATERPROOFS ESSENTIAL
PACKED LUNCHES SHOULD BE TAKEN UNLESS YOU USE CAFÉ.
RETURN TIME IN NEWCASTLE APPROX 6/6.30 GENERALLY

The newsletter report from the last visit to our local RSPB reserve ended "once the reserve is established, a return trip could deliver an even greater variety of birds" and I'm sure that's right. This time we're visiting in the spring, when lapwings can be seen displaying and starting to nest on the grassland. It's also possible to see "mad March" brown hares boxing as females try to fend off the attention of males. Some of the earlier migrants, such as chiffchaffs, should be arriving. As before we'll visit the attractive area of the headland at Hartlepool to see what's on or around the sea.

Time: 9.30 am

Price: 12 pounds

Booking essential

Telephone: 07729 860 978

E-mail: newcastlerspbgroup@gmail.com