News archive
October 2005
Thursday, 27 October 2005
Group Holiday to Cornwall
Last week 15 members of the Group visited Marazion, nr Penzance, on a six day birdwatching holiday.
Despite ominous forecasts the weather was relatively kind, only two short showers being encountered. We had some strong winds, but this did provide the benefit of seeing two examples of a rare sea bird close inshore.
The hotel was superb, with excellent food, and was in a marvellous position overlooking St Michaels Mount.
As a result of much hard work by our leader the Group recorded 95 species of bird and over 100 species of plant.
This was a most enjoyable and successful holiday. A full report will appear in our spring magazine.
Wednesday, 26 October 2005
OCTOBER MID-WEEK WALK
25 members met on a warm sunny day at Iken Cliff, a public amenity area overlooking the Alde river estuary. They were greeted by the song of a woodlark whilst, upriver, a flock of about 200 avocets rose in the air for a distant display. Walking down to the water a few birds were sighted but, on arrival, there were large numbers of waders on the mud at the edge of the ebbing river. Most numerous were the flocks of redshank interspersed with black-tailed godwit. During the walk downriver dunlin, snipe and curlew were seen with a lone greenshank. In the distance, on a promontory stretching out into the river, St. Botolph's church could be seen, It was over this promontory a lone peregrine falcon was sighted and kept in view by a large number of the members. On the water were little grebe and 3 pintails. The members walked downriver and out to St. Botolph's church for closer views over the Alde. Part of this walk was inland and a few other species were seen including a very patient yellowhammer. On the return walk a marsh harrier was seen. The total number of species recorded was 37, fewer than the 51 seen on the previous visit of but that was in the spring.
