Apologies for the lack of posts recently. It’s been a busy time, including a visit to Bristol to see how the BBC “do it” with their magazines – more about that next week on the blog - and lots of meetings amid getting the April issue finished off!

Anyway, it is nice to get out of the office and one RSPB event that I always look forward to is Members’ Weekend. Hopefully you read about it in your Spring issue of Birds (the booking form is on page 41), or you could sign up here

Up with the lark

I get to organise and lead the early morning bird walk on the Saturday and although it can be a struggle to drag myself out of bed, it is always a treat to see so many members waiting to go on the walk and be shown the birds around York University campus at the rendezvous point as it starts to get light.

See your first willow warbler of the year at RSPB Members' Weekend (John Bridges - rspb-images.com)

There are a lot more birds than you might think in York and April’s a good time for seeing several species displaying and singing, plus the first of the spring migrants such as willow warbler , blackcaps and chiffchaffs and residents like treecreepers, bullfinches and an array of wildfowl on the lakes.

Book your place

I’d love to see you there on 12-14 April, so do have a look on the website and your Spring Birds to find out more about what’s on offer with all sorts of talks and excursions to choose from and the chance to meet all sorts of exciting and interesting RSPB people – and me...

  • I'm back for good now, Dwayne.

    It has been a busy few weeks, but plenty to report back on here as a result, including that trip to the BBC. I also saw something at The Lodge today that I've only ever seen once before, so stay tuned to hear about that too. All I'll say for a clue is that it's small, black and furry and doesn't mind getting wet...

  • Have been suffering withdrawal symptoms as it's been a long time since we last heard from you.

    I can't make Members Weekend this year I'm afraid but as Mark says it really is a great event.

    Looking forward to your next post as it sounds intriguing!