News archive

November 2007

Friday, 30 November 2007

Editor's Annual Report - 2007

And so it is - the first field meeting of the year was held at Bowling Green Marsh where some 300 avocets were on view. At Cheddar Reservoir, best birds seen were goldeneye and female scaup, while Chew Valley gave superb views of a splendid male smew.
In March, superb raptors included a hunting peregrine at Catcott and the wonderful hen harrier at Greylake.
The cattle egret at Budleigh; singing nightingales at Hinkley; a lesser spotted woodpecker, redstart and pied flycatchers at Bincombe; a splendid day at Portland in June when masses of manx and balearic shearwaters streamed past the Bill; the brilliant nightjar experience at Staple Plain; spotted flycatchers and dippers at Robbers Bridge; the continuous stream of migrating swallows through Brean Down; hunting hobbies at Ashcott; cirl buntings at Prawle Point; the white fronted goose, peregrine and 27 avocets at Steart; and, most recently, the unforgettable sight of an arctic skua harassing a group of kittiwakes off Portland Bill.
Meanwhile, there has been the usual outstanding programme of indoor meetings. January's speaker was RSPB Conservation Officer Richard Archer who provided a very interesting and detailed talk on the work of the RSPB including much of what has taken place on the Somerset levels and moors.
Our old friend Robert Khan entertained us in February with "Bird Migration Through the Holy Land", in which he followed the path of the main migration from Africa to Europe through Israel with a fine selection of photographs and a great deal of information.
In March, Ethne Conlin took the group to Brazil where she had been doing voluntary work and shared some of her experiences while searching for the red-breasted toucan.
First of the autumn indoor meetings was an unforgettable experience with an opportunity to view the exceptional photographs of Mike Wilkes, acknowledged as one of the finest wildlife photographers in the world. Mike has had two of his pictures accepted for a publication of "The World's Best Wildlife Photographs" - what better recommendation could there be!
The last indoor meeting at the time of going to press was the Annual General Meeting followed by the opportunity to see the photographic work of some group members.

Evan Williams

Friday, 30 November 2007

Group Leader's Annual Report

A programme of well-attended walks and indoor meetings. I have enjoyed reading about the outdoor meetings thanks to Evan's weekly RSPB notes in the Somerset County Gazette. I find his reports entertaining and they keep me up to date with the sightings and activities that I am unable to attend.
The wonderful support of officers and committee members without whom this group would not exist. In addition there are members who give their valuable time to assist with such things as providing refreshments and auditing accounts.
I would like to mention Geoff Weyman who has finally achieved the remarkable feat of getting the group online. Many, many thanks to Geoff for his perserverance in the face of considerable adversity that was quite beyond his control.
Members of the Taunton Local Group assisted Taunton library in the Big Wild Read that was held in August. Denis Williams, Eric Luxton and Gill Cowen inspired 30 children in an event that was designed to actively promote and inform about the environment. Over 75,000 children participated nationwide and they were encouraged to read books about the environment, nature and wildlife. In return for each book read, a tree will be planted by the Woodland Trust this season. The project was originated by the Reading Agency and is part of an ongoing BBC Breathing Places campaign.
In September, the River Festival was held in French Weir Park. The RSPB had a marquee and the Local Group (in particular Rosie Reed and husband Colin, together with the assistance of Gill Cowen, Audrey Howard and Celia Young) raised over £120 by staging and manning the sales tables.
I would also like to recommend that all group members support the London Camera Exchange as a thank you gesture for their generosity in sponsoring our annual programme, paying for a speaker and contributing draw prizes. All of which are very much appreciated.
The lowlights of the year have been:- the continuing downward trend of group membership (albeit very slowly). As you know, for just £4 a year or £6 for a couple, you can enjoy the benefits of our extensive programme of walks and talks.
Deciding to drop the application of the Awards For All. As it was felt that we do not fulfil the criteria required, the committee has decided to purchase our own digital equipment with funds raised. We feel this is necessary as speakers who use slides are becoming more and more difficult to find.
Sally Mills, warden at Ham Wall, and her partner Melvyn (warden at Shapwick) will be leaving to take up a joint conservation post on the island of Aride in the Seychelles. We wish them weel for the future.
Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2008.

Frances Freeman (Group Leader)