Hi Everybody
There have been a couple of events taking place . . . .
Annual General Meeting
28 people turned out for the RSPB Local Group 28th AGM held at the St. Magnus Centre on 6th November when the various office-bearers reported on events from the past 12 months. RSPB Officer Sarah Sankey also gave a comprehensive report of what has taken place in 2013. During the refreshment break members were able to buy Christmas Cards and raffle tickets, also see the display board containing photographs from the two bag-packing sessions at the Co-op and Tesco. Also on display was a Thank you Certificate to our Local Group in recognition of the £1672.23 raised at these events. (See photo attached).
Two speakers from RSPB Orkney nicely rounded off the evening. First, Field Teacher Lindsey Taylor gave a most interesting illustrated talk entitled ‘Enthusing the Next Generation’ when she told us all about the John Muir Trust and her work with young people, teaching them environmentally-friendly skills.
Julian Branscombe’s enthusiastic talk gave us an update on ‘Enjoy Wild Orkney’ showing great pictures from some of the events and reported on work to be carried out to enhance our nature-watching experiences.
Both speakers were very well received by all present.
The Local Group Committee for 2013/2014 is as follows:
Chairman/Group Leader Dick Matson; Treasurer Graham Brown (who took over from Jim Williams at the last AGM); Secretary Pauline Wilson; other committee members Kathie Brown, Grace Currie, Julie Rickards.
Charities Bazaar – 9th November
Many thanks to those who helped out on the Local Group table selling Christmas goods and raffle tickets. Thanks also to those who kindly donated raffle prizes, notably Kate Barrett who gave a super picture of a Shag painted by this talented lady! Kathie Brown is also very talented and gave a CD of her Christmas music as another prize. Helpers were Kate Barrett, Graham & Kathie Brown, Davina Brown, Morag Wilson, Allan & Angela Way, Grace Currie, Doreen Sinclair and myself. There was quite a lot of interest in our table and it’s nice to for members of the RSPB Orkney Local Group to chat with the public. I have attached a photo from the Bazaar which actually shows four members of the Local Group Committee (left to right) Graham Brown, (Treasurer), Grace Currie, Kathie Brown and Yours truly (Sec).
RSPB Christmas Cards
These are now available in the Stromness Office so please go along and browse the selection. Please note that Morag is not there Monday or Friday afternoons but other times during office hours are fine. This is a good way of supporting the RSPB. Cards will be in the office right up to about a week before Christmas so make a date with Morag.
Forthcoming Events
Monday 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.
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
(Grace Currie went on one of the Hen Harrier Roost Watch events and reported that it was absolutely fantastic to see so great a number of these raptors at the roost – Book now if you are interested!)
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. RSPB Members are very welcome at Field Club meetings.
Close Encounter with Gannet!
Last Monday I had a phone call from a resident of Deerness to say there was a bird stranded – possibly injured and possibly oiled – above the shoreline at Newark here in Deerness. She wasn’t sure what it was but thought it might be a shag or cormorant. Reluctantly (as I hate to see injured birds) Peter and I set off to look for it, armed with an old sheet. After combing the length of the beach with no bird in sight I finally spotted it floundering around in flood water well past the car park. It was a juvenile Gannet (hence the finder wondering if it was oiled as, of course, the young gannet is black and kind of speckled.)
With Peter heading it off and me creeping up on it I got close enough to launch the sheet and luckily was able to grab the bird which didn’t appear to be injured but just blown off course and unable to take off from land. We headed towards the sea and I lost concentration long enough for the bird to take a firm grip of my finger and when I eventually prised myself free found the finger bleeding and bruised!
Anyway, the tale has a happy ending as we managed to slip the young bird into the water and watch it swim off, making good headway.
Sore finger or not, I was really pleased with the outcome.
Attached is a photo of the Gannet and another shows it as a dot as it heads out to open sea.
The only other thing of interest here at Sunnybank has been the Black Caps which have enjoyed out apples for well over a week. This morning there was a tiny Warbler flitting around but, without glasses or binoculars, I was unable to say for certain whether it was a Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler . . . .
I think that’s all the news for now. Please send any items of interest to me for inclusion in my next email.
Best wishes,
Pauline W/RSPB Local Group Sec