News archive
April 2009
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
April Round-Up
32 supporters were on the coach trip to Rutland Water on Sunday 26th, led by Terry Smith, on a lovely sunny spring day, 83sp were seen including osprey, turtle dove, grasshopper warbler and red kite.
At the group meeting on the 28th, Chris Bailey updated us on the successes at Hope Farm, where the RSPB has increased the numbers of birds whilst still farming successfully. The results of the research carried out here is being shared with other farmers in the hope that more will join in and help ' put bums on nests' as one of his slides illustrated!!
AGM
Terry Smith, group leader, reported another successful year for the group, all events were well attended. He thanked everyone involved in the running of these events, and the walk and coach leaders who generously gave their time and expertise to ensure we all saw the birds and wildlife on our trips. Treasurer, Toby Spencer, reported that the credit crunch hadn't crunched us yet! The group made total donations of £5,616.20 to the RSPB for various projects, several hundred pounds more than last year.
Douglas Smallwood was formally elected as group secretary after being co-opted onto the committee during the year.
100 CLUB
Our 100 Club winners for April were:-1st Fred Coppi, 2nd Alex Flatt. Don't foget to contact Geoff Brown if you would like to join our fundraising club, using the 'contact us' link above. (If you would like to join from our May draw, the cost is £11 plus a one-off £2 admin charge) Last season a total of £535 was raised by club members.
LOCAL BIRDS
There have been several oystercatchers at Amwell and one was seen recently at Fishers Green. Common terns are back on their nesting rafts, hobbies have arrived along with the nightingales at Fishers Green. More red kites are being seen in our area, one was seen at Rye Meads this week, along with a common buzzard and a marsh harrier.
COMING EVENTS:
Sunday 10th - local morning walk at Fishers Green for nightingales & warblers.
Wednesday 13th -our monthly fund raising walk at Fishers Green, to learn more about your local birds, to book a place or for more details, please contact group leader Terry Smith at the 'contact us' link above. (A £3 donation is requested.)
Sunday 16th - our annual coach trip to RSPB Minsmere, we had 100sp last year. Book early with Barrie Stockwell on 01992 584133.
Tues 26th - monthly group meeting, come along and hear Tony Gunton on ' Essex Wildlife Trust - facing todays challenges'
ADVANCE NOTICE:
Our special afternoon and evening coach trip to Thursley Common, Surrey is on Saturday 13th June. This trip is especially for those of you who like a lie in! The coach leaves Ware at 1pm, Broxbourne 1.15pm, we hope to find special birds such as Dartford Warbler, hobby and nightjar. Expect to arrive back late in the evening. Book early with Barrie on 01992 584133
See our events listings for more details of the above events.
We look forward to meeting you at one of our events