Winter Bird Race & Indoor Meeting

Hi Everybody The RSPB Winter Bird Race is due to take place on Sunday 2nd March and Dick Matson gives details of the event: It is that time of year when we should forget about the truly awful winter weather and dust off the scopes and bins and get out there for some (semi-)serious birding! In other words it is almost time to take your partners for the Winter Bird Race on Sunday 2nd March. The procedure will be much the same as in previous years: we will aim to have teams of 4 per car (or 5 if you wish) and will search the countryside counting the different bird species between 9am and 5.30pm. Teams can start counting from wherever they like. As usual we will meet up afterwards at the Lynnfield for a social get-together and to compare notes (please get to the Lynnfield by 5.45pm). Bar meals will be available from 6.30pm. I will email a menu to anyone who would like a bar meal. For a species to qualify it must be identified by 3 people in a team of 4 or 5; but in a team of 2 or 3 it must be identified by 2 people. Obviously some latitude is allowed for teams with inexperienced birders. Please do not go onto private land without permission and avoid doing anything that could be construed as an invasion of privacy. Please do not disturb sick or injured birds (but report them to the SSPCA if possible). In the interests of safety, fuel economy and to minimise pollution we ask folk to observe a speed limit of 50mph. As well as enjoying the Orkney countryside and its bird-life we hope that people will regard this as an opportunity to teach and encourage novice or inexperienced birders. Thus we ask that you include at least one such person in your team. If interested in taking part please let me know by this coming Saturday (22nd Feb) on 751426 or at r.matson42@btinternet.com and also please contact me if you would like help in getting placed with a team. You are most welcome to participate even if you are a complete novice. Dick As Dick says, you don’t have to be an expert to take part in the Bird Race; it’s great fun and you can certainly learn something as you search for those vital species! I hope some of our newer members decide to give it a go. Dick will place you in a team to suit your birdwatching experience so no need to be afraid of not knowing the finer points of bird identification. ANOTHER DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Thursday 27th March – Local Group Spring Meeting – “North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory” North Ronaldsay is on the migration route of many common – and sometimes incredibly rare – birds. Alison Duncan describes how the Observatory plays a vital function in the monitoring of bird movement through the island. Alison has played a key role in the running and development of the Observatory almost since it was founded in 1987 and for anyone with an interest in birds her talk will be unmissable. It will be held at the St. Magnus Centre, Kirkwall at 7.30 pm. Members and non-members are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but there will be a door collection towards the cost of room hire. I’ll give more reminders about this nearer the time but meanwhile please put this date in your diary as it promises to be a most interesting talk. That’s all for now. Best wishes Pauline W/RSPB Local Group Sec.