Here is Pauline Wilson's most recent latest happenings:
Hi Everybody
It seems ages since I sent out an email to members without relying on Morag. After lots of difficulties with my new computer everything now seems to be sorted and I have been able to re-assemble my group lists. I say everything but actually the new photo gallery is different and only seems to want to send one picture at a time but I am sure I will eventually find a solution to this problem. It seems a shame to miss the opportunity of sending a photo so I am including a picture of Peter with friends John & Pat Sinclair counting Friday’s proceeds from the Tesco Bag-packing. You will recall from my earlier email that a magnificent £1285.88 was raised – what a job for Gareth at the post office when he had to check all the cash bags. I have photos from Tesco and am hopeful of sending these out very soon for you all to see these willing volunteers.
I wonder if – like us at Sunnybank – members have been enjoying more unusual birds just now? Black Caps seems to be numerous – Andy Mitchell ringed 39 in just one day. I skewered apples cut in half onto our bushes and in no time at all we had a black Cap pecking away. We have three today; one has a brown cap which I understand denotes a female or a juvenile. We have also had a few lovely Bramblings, a Robin and 8 Fieldfares flew overhead.
While doing my beached birds survey walk at Newark here in Deerness on 25th October I saw a lone Wheatear so that seemed very late in departing our shores.
Of course the very keen birders are out and about just now and there are reports of Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests, Black Caps, Robins, Brambling, Black Redstarts – even a Yellowhammer in Evie. That would be a nice sight to see!
Julian Branscombe was at The Loons yesterday and reports a flock of at least 2500 Golden Plover – another sight worth seeing! I was very pleased to see a report from member Morris Rendall of a pair of Stonechats on the Evie to Dounby road. It’s always good to have news of this little bird after it suffered so badly a couple of years ago.
I know it’s not long since I reminded members of events taking place within the next couple of weeks but another mention won’t go amiss since the Autumn mini-Festival is next weekend. Details as follows:
Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November - Autumn Mini-Festival
Friday 1st - Mystery Migrant Tour
A day minibus tour in search of late autumn birds guided by Dick Matson and Julian Branscombe. Lunch at Hoxa Tearooms.
Saturday 2nd November - Selkie Pups on Flotta
Small boat trips; Guided walks; Felting workshop. Lunch at the Flotta Community Room.
Sunday 3rd November - Mountain Hare and Moorland Odyssey on Hoy
Guided walks; Wildlife minibus tour; Displays. Refreshments at the Hoy Kirk.
To book for the Autumn Nature Festival, you can obtain full details of all the events running from 1st to 3rd November by visiting www.orkneynaturefestival.org – if you want to print a copy from this website, you can download a copy and then hover your mouse over the bottom of the first page and click on the printer icon. Booking is essential so please call 01856 850176 if you wish to book your place on any of the events.
Saturday 2nd November - Wellpark Garden Centre – Feed Orkney’s Birds
From 10.30 am until 3.30 pm - Family Day. Find out more about garden birds and what to feed them to help them through the winter.
There will be displays, samples of berries, etc. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand to advise on all matters concerning bird
feeding. Of course, this event would not be complete without the RSPB Field Teacher helping youngsters make fat balls, pastry maggots,
etc - great fun. The Wellpark Christmas displays will be in place so this is a fine day out for the family so come along and take a look and perhaps learn a little. See you there!
Monday 11th & 25th November and 9th December - The Loons Hide, Birsay
There will be an RSPB Warden in the Loons Hide in Birsay on the dates above. Drop in anytime between 9.30am and 12.30pm to see a variety
of waterfowl and waders. No need to book.
Wednesday 13th November and Sunday 8th December
Hen Harrier Roost Watch
Join us to witness one of Orkney’s great winter wildlife spectacles - hen harriers coming into roost. We will be going to one of Britain’s largest hen harrier roosts to watch the birds come in and settle in their favoured site. The event is weather dependant as we want you to get the best views of the birds. We will be there an hour and a half before sunset and with experts there to point out birds and tell you what is going on, it is an event not to be missed! We will be outside and standing still so warm clothes, waterproofs and hot water bottles are advised! £5 for RSPB members/ £7.50 for non-members and everyone is welcome, whatever your level of experience. Booking is essential as places are limited. To book call 01856 850176 or email katy.norbury@rspb.org.uk
Wednesday 6th November - RSPB Orkney Local Group AGM
This takes place at the St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall starting at 7.30 pm. After the business part of the meeting the RSPB Orkney Wardens have agreed to give us a presentation about what has been happening on the reserves during the past year and no doubt will tell us all about the Enjoy Wild Orkney project and the very successful Orkney Nature Festival earlier this year. I hope to see a lot of members there. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served and, to help with the cost of room hire, small donations are welcome. RSPB Chistmas Cards will be available for sale so this is a good opportunity to get them in good time.
Saturday 9th November - Charities Christmas Bazaar
This takes place at the Town Hall in Kirkwall from 10 am until 3.30 pm. The Orkney Local Group will once again be manning a table for the sale of Christmas Cards and goods and will also run a raffle. Please drop by and browse the goods on offer.
If any member would like to help for an hour this would be most welcome. Many thanks to those who have offered to help. Please contact me on 01856 741382 or email me at p.wilson410@btinternet.com.
Orkney Field Club - Friday 22nd November 'The Home of the Solan Goose'
An illustrated talk by Dr Jo Porter, senior Marine Biology Lecturer, Heriot Watt University, and Bob Anderson, dive boat owner, on a dive trip to Sula Sgeir and North Rona in 2013.
Held at the St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, starting at 7.30 pm. Entry £2 for non-members; £1 for members.
Promises to be an excellent talk.
Scottish Ornithologists Club - Thursday 7th November - 'Artists for Albatrosses'
A five-week expedition to South Georgia by Cross Rose.
Takes place at the St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall starting at 7.30 pm
Well I think that’s about all for now. If you have items of interest to our members please send them to me.
Best wishes
Pauline W/RSPB Orkney Local Group Sec