Hi Everybody
Although most of the Local Group programme is now past, there is still plenty going on in RSPB Orkney so I need to inform members of what's happening.
Reminder of Local Group Events
There are just a few events left for 2013 but we have additional outings and activities to publicise.
Weekend 3rd/4th August
Joint event with Orkney Field Club and the Wildlife Explorers Group. Moth traps will be set in Malcolm Russell's garden in Finstown on Saturday night and in the morning the night's catch will be examined while receiving expert tuition. Contact Sydney Gauld on 01856 872468. This very weekend sees the popular moths event. It usually attracts plenty of interest and I imagine this year will be no exception.
Sunday 8th Sept - to Stronsay for Autumn Migrants
Off again to look for migrants on Stronsay - waders, warblers, flycatchers, etc. Contact Dick Matson on 01856 751426.
Sunday 15 or Sunday 22 September - to Sanday for Autumn Migrants
Situated just in sight of Fair Isle, Sanday can be a magnet for migrant birds. Nearer the time the weather forecast will be studied before a final decision on the date is made. Contact Grace Currie on 01856 872742.
Orkney Mainland Hide Sessions
Visit one of the mainland reserves and watch birds from the hide with RSPB staff who can explain what you are watching and answer questions. The sessions, which take place on most Mondays (whatever the weather), are FREE and you can drop in any time between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. You don't need to book but for more information call the RSPB Orkney Office on 01856 850176.
The Loons Hide
Join us at this wetland reserve which can host a variety of wildfowl and waders. Meet: The Loons Hide off the B-class road betweenTwatt and Marwick (HY247243). Dates: August 5, 19.
Burgar Hill Hide
The star of the show here is the breeding red-throated diver but a variety of other wildfowl, waders and an occasional skua or raptor can be expected also. Meet: Burgar Hill Hide off the A966, north of Evie. Follow the signposts to hide which overlooks Lowrie's Water, Birsay (HY345257). Dates: August 12, 26
RSPB PapaWestray Guided Walks
Guided walks by the RSPB Warden around the RSPB reserve of North Hill where you can witness life in the seabird city along the cliffs, watch spectacular aerial chases between terns and skuas and enjoy the wild flowers. Booking essential. Wednesdays & Saturdays to August 31. (There will be a few dates in this period when there is no walk - please check). Time 1.30 to 3.30 pm. Meet: Rose Cottage. Cost: free. For info and bookings contact the warden Sarah West: 01857 644240. Donations welcome.
Catch the RSPB at the Shows
This Sunday 4th Aug. the Deerness Boat Show takes place at the Geo and RSPB Orkney will be present so watch out for our tent. Julian Branscombe will be leading a walk on the day (I believe it takes place at 3.30 pm) for those who fancy this.
The following week Thurs. 8th Aug. sees the Dounby Show with staff taking along the small tent and speaking to show-goers about all things Nature.
Sat. 10th is the County Show so make sure to call by the RSPB tent and take a look at the displays and perhaps browse the sales table. (My thanks to the willing volunteers who will be manning the sales table).
Free Seed Collecting Training Day
Bumblebees are in need of help and you can become involved in this as a communication from Michelle Appleby clearly shows:
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Orkney Wild Flower Group, is running a free seed collecting training day on 24th August. The event will begin in Firth Community Centre with an outdoor session and will run from 10 am to 4 pm.
Training will cover: *Wild flowers good for bumblebees; *Seed collecting and the law; *how to collect wild flower seed; *the importance of locally sourced seed; *in the field experience; *what to do once you have collected seed.
The event is free but booking is required. Places can be booked by emailing volunteering@bumblebeeconservation.org or calling 01786 467 827.
Enjoy Wild Orkney Events
EWO Ranger Katy Norbury has put together an interesting programme for August as part of the Enjoy Wild Orkney Project and there's bound to be something of interest:
Every Tuesday 6th – 27th August – Wildlife and walking on Hoy and South Walls, 10am – 5pm.Join us for a day exploring the amazing wildlife and walking on Hoy and South Walls. Leaving for Hoy on the 10am ferry from Stromness we will explore the RSPB reserve around the Dwarfie Stane. We will then have lunch at Lyness, giving you time to have a look around the fascinating Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum. Heading down to South Walls we will walk along the south coast towards Cantick Head lighthouse through the SWT’s Hill of White Hamars reserve - a haven for wildflowers including the beautiful Primula scotica (Scottish primrose). Minibus costs £12. Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book please contact Katy Norbury on katy.norbury@rspb.org.uk or 01856 850176 (leave a message if outside office hours).
Wednesday 7th, 14th and 28th - Wildlife and walking on Stronsay.Join us for a day trip to beautiful island of Stronsay, exploring the wildlife and stunning scenery as we go. Departing on the 10:40am Orkney Ferries sailing we will arrive in time for lunch at the Stronsay Hotel. After lunch a minibus will take us to the Vat of Kirbuster for a gentle stroll along the coastline before being taken onto one of Stronsay’s beautiful beaches. We will then return to Whitehall village for a well earned cup of tea! Relax or have a wander around the village before catching the 6:15pm ferry back to Kirkwall. It costs £7pp to cover the minibus travel. Ferry tickets and refreshments are not included in this price. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Katy Norbury for more information and to book, katy.norbury@rspb.org.uk or 01856 850176 (leave a message if outside office hours).
Thursday 8th August, Guided Walk, 10am-12noon.Join us for a walk around Hoxa Head taking in the wildlife of the cliffs, farmland, heath and shore. At Hoxa Head there will be time for sea-watching – this is the main southern entrance to Scapa Flow and is a good place to see harbour porpoise and if you’re really lucky, larger marine mammals like orca. You will have time to explore the WWII look out and gun batteries along the way. Meet at the car park next to the information board, approx.100m before Hoxa Tearooms. The walk is approx. 3 km and free although booking is recommended. For more information and to book please contact katy.norbury@rspb.org.uk or 01856 850176 (leave a message if outside office hours)
Change of Date for AGM
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the date of the RSPB Local Group AGM has had to be brought forward by one week and will now take place on Wednesday 6th November at the St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall starting at 7.30 pm. After the business part of the meeting, we are fortunate in having the RSPB Orkney Wardens to give a presentation so I am looking forward to hearing about what has been happening on the reserves during the past year, particularly in view of lthe Enjoy Wild Orkney project and the very successful Orkney Nature Festival which took place earlier this year. Can members please make a note of this change of date as it will be nice to see a good attendance at the meeting?
Orkney Bird Report
I purchased my copy of the 2012 Orkney Bird Report just the other day having been immediately attracted by Tim Wootton's picture of the Roller on the front cover. Besides being crammed full of information about Orkney's birds in 2012, this edition also has lots of colour photos by a variety of photographers including, of course, our own Ian Cunningham. Priced at only £7.50 it's great value for money. Many (many) hours of work by Jim Williams and his team have gone into producing this publication so it deserves to be rewarded by good sales of this excellent work. It's in the shops now and will also be on the RSPB sales table at various events.
Thanks for the stamps!
I called into SAS Business Supplies last week and was like Santa Claus when I left! There were so many used stamps Penny Park had to put them in a big black bag! One lady who makes regular visits to Orkney from her home in USA brought along a sizeable bag of American stamps which must have taken up a fair bit of the precious space in her suitcase! Our Save the Albatross campaign is certainly very popular.
Best wishes, Pauline W/RSPB Orkney Local Group Sec