News archive
December 2008
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
December News Round-up
Our meeting last night was attended by 47 supporters, who enjoyed the double act of Ted Bell & June Crew with a digital presentation, (their first), about 'Extremedura & the Cota Donana' the venue for the groups foreign holiday this year. This was followed by refreshments, supplied by members, and drinks.
2008 GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW
The draw was made last night, and the 3 main prizewinners were:-
1st: A R Large
2nd: Terry Smith
3rd: John Turpin
Many thanks to everyone who took part in our draw, this year over £1,025 was raised towards the important work of the RSPB.
100 CLUB
The six-monthly 100 Club draw was also made, winners were:
1st: £86 Christine Von Hagen
2nd: £43 Janet Green
Again, many thanks to all 100 Club members, who have raised over £2,500 since the Club began. If you would like to join, please contact us at the link above and Geoff Brown, the 100 Club organiser, will gladly forward details to you.
FESTIVE QUIZ
Thanks to Barrie Stockwell for his Bird Name quiz. He gave us 34 pictures which were studied closely, the winners were Sue Reeks & Derrick Ling with 27 correct bird names, suitable sweeties were given to the top scorers.
BIRDS IN DECEMBER
We started off the month with a walk at Bowyers & Hall Marsh on 7th, where 11 supporters were fortunate to see a barn owl and a pair of peregrines amongst 49sp seen. The barn owl was a first for us at this site. On the 14th, 3 intrepid members were at SWT Trimley Marshes, they had 56sp, including good views of Short eared owl.
BIRD NEWS
Bitterns - seen this winter at Amwell, North Met pit and from the Bittern Information point at Fishers Green on 70 Acres lake.
Peregrines - seen at various sites, such as on pylon in front of the Grebe hide on Holyfield lake, also flying over the Fishers Green area, also at Bowyers water & Hall Marsh area.
Pintail - seen on Hall Marsh scrape and 70 Acres lake.
Goosander - seen on Holyfield lake, on Ashley gravel pits and at Amwell.
Goldeneye - seen at Amwell, at Fishers Green, in the Relief channel, on Bowyers Water and Friday Lake.
Smew - a red headed smew was seen on Monday morning on Friday lake, and some have been seen at Amwell.
You can visit the RSPB website, below, to see the latest sightings at Rye Meads reserve.
FINALLY..........
We hope to see you at one of our events in 2009,
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Terry Smith
Group Leader