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Pauline Wilson

The Wildart Workshop in Stromness went well on May 14th and Aileen Meek sends us the following report:

Just to say that I joined the Wild Art Workshop this evening. I was part of a group of 6 people, hanging onto Tim's every word in the hope that I would eventually manage to produce some pencil line sketches that would represent the birds we were about to observe!
Tim described the anatomy of the birds, clothing the skeleton with feathers to build up the outward appearance. Out on the pier, we had good, close-up views
of Great Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Bonxies.Terns and Eiders made briefer appearances. Tim offered lots of advice,
encouraging us to focus on the body shape and form of the wings of the birds inflight.

At the end of the drawing session, all of the group agreed that they had enjoyed the workshop and had benefitted from Tim's tutoring and would like to come back on the 28th for a furthersession. 7 people are booked for the next session which means that there are a few spaces if anyone else would like to have a go!

If you fancy having a go at drawing birds then don't delay in contacting Aileen Meek on 01856 851755 to book a place for May 28th. Full details of time, place,
etc. from Aileen.  

 
Trip to Auskerry - Saturday 26th May (reserve Sun. 27th)
When I last spoke to Jim Williams there were a couple of places still available to this unique island. If you are
interested then please ring Jim on 01856 761317. I understand the weather is taking a turn for the better from
next week so it bodes well for a fantastic day out.
Co-op Bag Packing
I now have enough volunteers to help out in this fundraising event for 'Love Nature Week'. All proceeds will come back to Orkney for
the Enjoy Wild Orkney project. If you are in the Kirkwall Co-op during the afternoons of May 25th/26th then please say 'hello' and perhaps
boost our coffers! Many thanks to all those who are giving so willingly of their time to help out for this worthy cause.
Deerness Gloup Trips - Sat. 9th/Sun. 10th June
The Saturday trip is now full but there are still 3 places for the Sunday. It's an outing with a difference as
Sidney Foubister takes trippers far into the Gloup, providing lights to see the different rock formations and the odd nesting bird. Then it's up
the coast and into the cave at the Brough - often seals are to be found in this cave. On again round Mull Head to look at nesting birds before heading
back to see the seals at close quarters.
Cost is £12 each. The Saturday trip leaves at 2.15 and the Sunday one at 3.15 pm.
If you are interested please ring me (01856 741382) asap. (If there is a lot of interest it might be possible to put on another trip).
Westray Noup Head Loop - Sunday 17th June
I am now needing bookings for this outing so I can make the necessary arrangements.
The ferry leaves Kirkwall at 09.20 arriving in Westray at 10.45. Coming home we leave Westray at 18.00 arriving Kirkwall 19.25.
I understand the fare is £16.20 (£8.10 for concessions). There will also be the cost of bus transport on Westray of approx. £5. (last
year concessions were free on this so please bring your concession card).
It's a lovely walk up the coast to Noup Head spotting birds and plants along the way and being rewarded by the breeding Gannets at the Noup.
There will be a meal at the Pierowall Hotel for those who wish before heading back to the ferry. Please bring a picnic for lunchtime.
It goes without saying that stout footwear should be worn.
Phone me on 01856 741382 to book a place.
Wildlife Explorers Club - Sunday 27th May
Meet between 2 and 4 pm to create a May Meadow at Steptoze Yard, Garson, Stromness.As well as planting colourful wildflowers some great
composting and recycling tips will be picked up from the folk at Orkney Zero Waste. For more info please phone Jane on 01856 841212 or Kate
on 01856 851835.
Hide Sessions are now
in full swing as follows:
The Loons Hide off the B-class road between Twatt & Marwick)
Dates: May  25; June 8 & 22; July 6 & 20; August 3, 17 & 31; Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28; October 5, 12, 19 & 26; November 16; December 14.
Burgar Hill Hide off the A966 north of Evie (follow signposts to hide which overlooks Lowries Water, Birsay).
The Red-throated divers are displaying so well worth a visit.
Dates: June 1, 15 & 29; July 13 & 27; August 10 & 2

Hide sessions are from 10 am until 1 pm and a warden will be present to explain what you are watching and answer any questions.
Booking is not essential but if you wish to do so please call the office on 850176. This would be a good way of entertaining those summer visitors.
Wild Hoy Walks
These are planned for the following Saturdays: June 9, 16 & 23 & 30th.
Hoy is a fabulous island and here's a chance to enjoy the amazing wild landscape. Join the warden to learn more about the wildlife and history.
Family friendly and suitable for Nature Detectives. Duration is 2-3 hours. Please bring a packed lunch and binoculars.
Meet Moaness Pier 10 am. (Note extra cost for local bus transport of approx. £2).
Hoy Heather Trails
Join the warden to enjoy the wildflowers at their best and explore the wild landscape of Hoy. Family friendly and suitable for Nature Detectives.
Duration 2-3 hours. Bring a packed lunch and binoculars. Meet Moaness Pier 10.00 am. Cost £4 adults, £2 children (members free).
NB: Extra cost for local bus of approx. £2. Booking essential to Lee Shields on 01856 791298.
Dates (all Saturdays): July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25.
Papa Westray Guided Walks & Peedie Package Tours
The usual guided walks by the RSPB Warden will take place once again. For full details see the Diary of Events.
Enquiries to Papay Warden 01857 644240.
Mainland Guided Walks are now under way:
Marwick's Seabird City
Come see, hear and smell this seabird spectacle with the RSPB Warden at the Marwick Head Reserve.
Time 10.00 am, meet Marwick Bay Car Park.
Dates: June 6, 20; July 4, 18.
Hobbister Coastal Walk
A walk across the moorland and along the Scapa coast to see displaying curlews, stonechats, fulmars and possibly raptors.
Time 9.30 am. Meet Hobbister Car Park off the A964.
Dates: May 30; June 13, 27; July 11, 25.
Birsay Moor Stroll
Join the warden on an early walk across the moorland following a peat track towards Muckle Billia Fiold, enjoying panoramic views and
seeing a variety of moorland species. Time 9.00 am. Meet Birsay Moors viewpoint/picnic spot off the B9057.
Just one date: Wednesday 23rd May.
Birds for Beginners at Brodgar
Walks take place Tuesdays until 24th July. Although aimed at beginners, everyone will enjoy this pleasant, easy walk in the heart of
Orkney's World Heritage site. Time 10 am, duration up to 2 hours. Meet Ring of Brodgar car park. Cost £4 adults, £2
children (RSPB members free).Bookings must be made with Jenny Dewar on 01856 850176.
Listen out for Corncrakes
A reminder to keep an ear out for the unmistakable call of this enigmatic bird. It will be in Orkney now looking
for possible nesting sites and Corncrake Initiative Officer Amy Liptrot will be waiting to hear from you. Amy writes:
Please let me know if you have heard the 'crex crex' - location, time and date - by replying below, emailing Amy.Liptrot@rspb.co.uk or
calling the Corncrake Hotline on 852 029.

 
Hen Harrier Webcam
It won't be long before the webcam is up and running for this year's Hen Harrier celebrity mum! Call in at the Kirkwall Visitor Centre
to see live pictures of the nest and have a chat to the volunteer there most mornings (I do Tuesdays so would be pleased to see any of
our members who happen to be in Kirkwall that day).
Exciting new Photo Competition!
Posters will soon  be going up around Orkney publicising this new venture for RSPB Orkney. There are separate opportunities for
residents and visitors with Adults, 12-16 years and under 12s all catered for. There will be prizes for each category.
Take your pick of four categories:
Wild Open Spaces
Wonderful Colours of Orkney
Waves & Water
Wondrous Nature in Detail
Full details are outlined in the poster and on the Entry Form which is available from the RSPB Stromness Office, the Kirkwall Tourist
Information Centre or online at:www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/orkneycameraclub/
Participants have until Sunday 31st March 2013 to submit entries but why not get a form now and read all about it? I know we have lots
of budding photographers among our members - and you don't even have to be an expert to get that great shot!I'm certainly having a go so I
hope lots of you will join me. I'll keep giving reminders about this in the hope we will have a good response.
Breeding time
Well, our garden walls are alive with the sounds of young starlings and the sparrows are busy going to-and-fro to their nestboxes with tasty morsels.
We still have plenty of greenfinches feeding on sunflower seeds so I hope they will be breeding nearby. We usually see youngsters later in the summer.
I looked out of the front window the other day and saw a fine Ring Ouzel in our field. It stayed for a while so I had the oppornity to have a fine view
of this striking bird.
Pauline W/Local Group Sec.

Below are two great photos from Ian Cunningham - a stunning Skylark and a Cormorant in flight.
 
Skylark on post (photo by Ian Cunningham)

Cormorant skimming the water (photo by Ian Cunningham)