News
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
May Round-Up
On 10th May, group leader Terry Smith led the walk at Fishers Green for nightingales and warblers, 26 joined the walk, 49sp were seen or heard including 8 nightingales. 9 hobbies were seen feeding over 70 Acres Lake.
Terry also led the walk on 13th May at Fishers Green, 56sp were seen or heard including 10 nightingales. 4 black terns were also seen over Holyfield Lake.
Finally our annual coach trip to RSPB Minsmere was on 16th May, again led by Terry, 90sp were seen by the group, who had good views of marsh harriers, hobby, avocets etc and a bittern was heard 'booming'.
At the group meeting on the 26th, Tony Gunton spoke about the challenges facing Essex Wildlife Trust, climate change was proving a big problem, with sea levels rising and the decisions by the Environmental Agency not to support the sea walls as they became inundated by the sea. He showed us some photos of the endangered wildlife to be found on the reserves still, and discussed ways to ensure their survival.
100 CLUB
Our 100 Club winners for May were:-1st Janet Green, 2nd Terry Smith. 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 June draw, the cost is £10 plus a one-off £2 admin charge) Last season a total of £535 was raised by club members.
LOCAL BIRDS
This months star bird must be the singing Savi's warbler found in the reedbed, opp. the Bittern information point at Fishers Green. It has been heard and seen, early in the morning, and late in the evening. Nightingales are still singing in the Fishers Green area along with lots of warblers. Amwell has had both ringed and little ringed plovers from the watchpoint. Cetti's warblers are singing in the bushes, redshanks are around as are cuckoos. Both sites well worth a visit. Sadly Cornmill Meadows has very little water in front of the hide at present - so few birds. Check out our link to the East London Birders forum website for up to date bird news.
COMING EVENTS:
Sunday 7th - local morning walk at Standon Green End Farm for farmland and woodland birds.
Wednesday 19th: 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.)
Saturday 13th - a summer family walk at Fishers Green, please book in advance with Louise Moss at RSPB Rye Meads reserve. A small charge will be made.
and on the same day..................
Saturday 13th - Please note, a change of venue, now a car trip to various sites in The Brecks. More details from Barrie Stockwell on 01992 584133.
Tues 30th - final monthly group meeting of this programme, Andy Sands takes us on 'a British Safari'.
See our events listings for more details. Our new programme will be hand delivered in late August/early September. If you are able to help deliver some in your area, please contact us at the 'Contact Us' link above.
We hope to see you at one of our events soon.