News

Sunday, 15 November 2009

male teal, RSPB Images

'Meet the Group' day at RSPB Rye Meads

We held another 'Meet your local group' event at RSPB Rye Meads reserve, raising over £200 for the RSPB's important conservation work. The weather was much better than on Saturday, with sunshine not rain!!

Derrick Ling and Sue Reeks were in the Draper hide, on 'Hide-watch'duties during the day - they found 46sp plus feral pigeon. Ted Bell was as inventive as ever on the Lucky Tombola, keeping everyone amused with his 'patter'. Geoff Brown and Douglas Smallwood were on the RSPB sales table during the day, raising over £100 through sales of christmas cards, diaries and calendars etc. Lillian and David Adams were in charge of refreshments and Ann Smith had a general sales table. Group leader Terry Smith had an information table, greeting visitors as they entered, he also had the important job of changing the video films and giving out stickers to the younger visitors!!

Mike Oakland who also helped during the day, reported his best views this year of a kingfisher, from the Kingfisher hide in the afternoon.

Thanks to the staff at the reserve for hosting our event, we hope to repeat it next year around the same date.

Don't forget, there will be RSPB cards, diaries and the odd calendar for sale at the next group meeting on Tuesday 24th November when Roy Croucher visits to show us the 'Wildlife of Northern France' - full details in our coming events listings.