Next Indoor Meeting and Happy New Year!

Hello

Our first indoor meeting of 2018 will be this Wednesday 3rd January when our very own Dave Jackson will be presenting on the birds and other wildlife of Gambia. Dave has visited this tiny country in Western Africa several times and made every effort to digitally record the fabulous birds and additional wildlife for our enjoyment. The club visited the Gambia as part of our international tours a few years ago and no doubt Dave's presentation will bring back some pleasant memories for many.

The meeting begins promptly at 7.30pm at our usual venue within the Fishing Lodge at Pitsford Reservoir and hot drinks and biscuits will be available - we look forward to seeing you there!

Happy New Year with Best Wishes for a successful birdwatching year in 2018!

Neil M

Spur-winged Plover.

Hammerkop.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND THOUGHTS

With the advent of the cooler weather we had a short time ago, I stocked up on bird food and feeders.
Thinking that the poor mites, after  freezing nights and cold days the very least I could do was to give them a helping hand.
 My Starlings and woodpigeons quickly ate the bulk of what I had put out, with my Tits, Robins and Wrens etc turning up too late to find the meal worms and suet that was meant for them gone.
Fat balls attracted several beautiful Blue Tits absolutely gorgeous in the cold sunshine, while the Robin braved conflict searching my food bucket as I was dealing with other items.
A lone male Blackcap knew I hadn't got my camera and posed in full view on the ivy covered Hawthorn and a band of nomadic Long Tailed Titmice descended upon the apple tree to glean
anything that was still available.
Goldfinch beauties,  Chaffinch and Greenfinches commandeered  the seed feeders. Blackbirds spent valuable energy chasing their counterparts around , a lone Redwing also paid a visit.
All was well, I felt good that in my own little way I could help these hapless little darlings, they must have realised it was Christmas time, my work was done I wished them well.

So it brings me nicely around to wish all our members and readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year and remember, giving brings its own rewards.

A Sparrow Hawk at Mcdonald's

Vinehouse Farm Birdwatch Events

Hello

We recently enjoyed a presentation from Nicholas Watts MBE, mostly associated with his wildlife-friendly farming business at Deeping St Nicholas in Lincolnshire. There are two 'Winter Birdwatch' events at the Vinehouse Farm complex early next year, Sunday 21st January and Saturday 3rd February. Tickets are available at £5 each and can be booked by 'phoning 01775 630208 or on-line -

Vinehousefarm.co.uk.

Regards

Neil M

Tree Sparrow
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Reed Bunting.

Post meeting synopsis

Hello

On Wednesday we were well entertained by Chris and Caroline Ward with their presentation of the birds and wildlife of Australia (Part 1 Queensland). Judging from the comments, plenty of the audience had been to the same part of the world and were able to relate to many of the images and the dialogue delivered by Chris. 

Their trip to Australia had been a three month extravaganza all accommodated cost-wise because they completed a short term house and vehicle swap. So while they were enjoying the sunshine of Australia, an Australian couple were enjoying the delights of Milton Keynes. I think I know where I would rather be of the two!

As always Chris presented some stunning images of the colourful birds of 'down under' and some of the endemic mammals too, all well-researched and put into context in the way that Chris being a perfectionist always manages.

Chris and Caroline return to the club in April 2018 when they will present the second part of their adventure. It was an excellent turn-out of both members and non-members on Wednesday evening and I'm sure the same will happen again in April!

Regards

Neil M

Indoor Meeting 6th Dec

Hello

Our last indoor meeting of the year will be this coming Wednesday (6th December 2017) when we will enjoy a presentation from Chris Ward on the birds and wildlife of Australia. Chris is a regular visitor to the club and his presentation is in two parts with Part 2 due to be delivered in April 2018.

The meeting will commence at 7.30pm at our usual venue of the Fishing Lodge at Pitsford Reservoir and hot drinks and biscuits will be available as usual. All welcome!

Neil M