Winter Bird Race
There was a good response to the 2013 bird race with a total of 8 teams taking part.
The race began at 9 am with teams spotting as many different birds as possible until finishing time at 5.30. My own team, which also included Malcolm Russell, Dick Matson and Willie Smith, were off to a flying start when Willie spotted an American Wigeon among a group of the more familiar types of the species from the car park in Finstown. Attached is a photo of this bird (in the middle of the group of wigeon) - not actually taken on the bird race but by member Martin Moncrieff later in the day.
Teams decided on their own routes to follow to try and top the score sheet; our team had a bracing climb up Marwick Head then made a circuitous journey through the West Mainland before heading east and south to Holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay to see the splendid White Billed Diver (some saw a Blue Tit in South Ron) before heading back to St. Peter's Pool then finally to Tankerness to admire the lone White-fronted goose which has latched on to a big flock of Pink-footed Geese.
At the end of the long day's counting it was back to the Lynnfield Hotel in Kirkwall for a de-briefing with Malcolm Russell running through the list and teams responding as to if and where a particular species was spotted.
The final tally saw another win, with 94 points, for the Team made up of Julian Branscombe, Alistair Forsyth, Barrie & Linda Hamill. Runners-up with a worthy 88 points were Andrew Upton, Grace Currie, Rosemary McCance & Megan Taylor. Third place went to the team I was part of - Malcolm, Dick, Willie & Pauline.
Attached is the bird list showing the 106 species counted and listing the scores.
Many thanks to Malcolm Russell for doing this.
For the hungry ones among us the Lynnfield served delicious meals of fish & chips or chicken & mushroom pie (delicious!).
I must stress that you don't need to be a bird expert to join in this event as you can be paired with more experienced birders, and it's a great way to learn as I find these people are more than happy to impart their knowledge to us novices! It's a fun event so I hope even more members will give it a go next year.
Malcolm Russell goes through the bird list while member Brian Wright reflects on the day's events. Photo Pauline Wilso
A note from American members
From time to time I hear from three new friends we made on last year's Noup Head Loop walk on Westray - namely, Joan, Ann and MaryBeth. All three joined the RSPB and, having enjoyed their stay in Orkney so much, they requested the 'Latest Happenings' so they can read about what is going on in our Northern Isles. I had the following note from Joan just today:
"Keep them coming, Pauline. I really love the notes esp those with the gorgeous photos. Remaining members of RSPB is something we're looking forward to. It is dues well spent."
Great news that this friendly trio are continuing with their support of the RSPB!
Orkney Nature Festival - Saturday 11th - Sunday 19th May
A Wild Week of Island Discovery is promised by the Festival organisers and by now members should have received a copy of programme sent out by Morag. At the helm are Julian Branscombe and Anne Bignall with additional help from field teacher Amy Malcolm and ranger Katy Norbury and the programme they have produced is truly spectacular as members will easily see. I know bookings are already coming into the office so I would suggest making decisions sooner rather than later which events you wish to go to. All tastes are catered for, be it a town or country walk, visit to a kirkyard, outings to the isles, boat trips, even a banquet to end the proceedings - all tastes are catered for.
This ambitious programme of events should raise Orkney's profile and attract extra visitors to our shores so I can't wait for May! I am sure there will be more news from Julian, Anne and their team shortly.
Local Group Programme
This is now just about complete and the wardens' events are coming along nicely; Graham Brown is working hard to collate everything and it will be with members before very long. We will be having the usual favourites plus a few new events. If members have ideas for future outings please do not hesitate to suggest these to me or to any other committee member.
Orkney Field Club
There are two important events in the next week or two:
Friday 8th March Annual General Meeting and Social.
Friday 15th March Club Night - 'Aspects of Orkney Botany - with a passing reference to Shetland'.
Dick Matson (751426) will be able to give more info on all the above events.
Photo Competititon
A last call for this exciting new idea from our Local Group, details below:
In association with the Orkney Camera Club the RSPB Local Group is running a photographic competition under the title “Wild Orkney: the Way I See It”. The competition is open to Orkney residents and visitors of all ages and photos should focus on one of the following categories:
Wild Open Spaces
Wonderful Colours of Orkney
Waves and Water
Wondrous Nature in Detail
The competition runs until the 30th March 2013. Entries should be dropped off at “Visit Orkney”, the Travel Centre, West Castle Street, Orkney, KW16 3AG or posted (clearly labelled “Photographic Competition”) to RSPB, 12-14 North End Road, Stromness, Orkney, KW16 3AG.
Visit http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/orkneycameraclub/ for
further information and to download an entry form.
It's not too late to enter but please think about it NOW if you intend to submit a photo.
Stamps
My usual request to take used postage stamps to SAS Business Supplies in Laing Street, Kirkwall or drop them off at the RSPB office in Stromness in order to help the Save the Albatross Campaign. I have already picked up several carrier bags full of stamps but more are welcome. Many thanks to all who have contributed.
Spring at last!
Well, it's almost spring and there are several reports of skylarks singing away - in fact we heard one on the bird race. Song thrushes have also been heard. I have seen one in our garden but it's not singing so far - of course it might be a female waiting to meet Mr. Right!
If you have any items of interest for future emails please send them to me.
That's all for now
Pauline W/Local Group Sec.