This new sighting is in fact me! Sorry to disappoint those of you hoping to hear about a new bird seen at Minsmere but I wanted to introduce myself as the new part time Visitor Experience Officer.
I started at Minsmere a couple of weeks ago and have already been introduced to many of the staff and wonderful volunteers we have here. It has been my pleasure to meet everyone and I am very excited about being part of such a great team working towards such an important goal.
My background is in education and I have worked in a secondary school for the last eight years as a teacher of Biology (so please forgive my slightly bossy teacher ways!) One of my favourite aspects of teaching was teaching Ecology and the importance of conservation both in the classroom and in the field. I hope to bring this experience and my creative flair to the visitor experience role to deliver a fantastic visitor experience.
I have always had an incredible love for wildlife and my favourite bird has to be the barn owl. Not the rarest of birds but the sight of one of these pale, ghost like beauties simply takes my breath away. Their endearing heart shaped face and powerful form make for such a spectacular sight. I have yet to see one at Minsmere but you can be assured I will definitely be on the look out and would be delighted to hear about any sighting you have seen of the barn owl or any bird.
In my first few days I have been trying to familiarise myself with the reserve and have been for a couple of walks with other staff. It is so great to hear the passion in people’s voices when talking about recent sightings and the projects going on here.
Barn owl by John Bridges (RSPB-images.com)
It's been good to meet you too, Amy. I'm on duty this afternoon so perhaps I'll be adding you to my sightings today!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.