RSPB Minsmere Family Day (inc WBC ringing demo)
All day every Thursday from July 28th to September 1st
For the fourth successive year, WBC has been asked to take a key role at RSPB’s prestigious family events. WBC ringers will host one of the marquees to give ringing demonstrations and explain the wonders of migration to the many visitors young and old. WBC members are encouraged to support this event and, as an added attraction, RSPB Volunteer Guides, Jon Evans and John Grant will be there to give exclusive guided walks to our members on 25th August. Please note that normal permit fees apply to non-RSPB members.
WBC Ringing demonstration at Minsmere © C Monika Koch
RSPB’s Family Days will take place every Thursday throughout the school holiday period.
If members have any free time to help with setting up, putting up our marquee, cutting net lanes, etc., on Wednesday 27th July, it would be very much appreciated, so please ring Kathy.
Leaders: WBC ringing team for ringing demos and John Grant and Jon Evans for guided tour on 25th August
Venue: Meet at Ringing Marquee at 09.30 hrs
WBC Ringing demonstration at Minsmere © C Monika Koch
RSPB’s Family Days will take place every Thursday throughout the school holiday period.
If members have any free time to help with setting up, putting up our marquee, cutting net lanes, etc., on Wednesday 27th July, it would be very much appreciated, so please ring Kathy.
Leaders: WBC ringing team for ringing demos and John Grant and Jon Evans for guided tour on 25th August
Venue: Meet at Ringing Marquee at 09.30 hrs
Rutland Bird Fair “The world’s largest international birdwatching event”
Saturday 20 August 2011
Described as the birdwatcher's Glastonbury, Birdfair encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. This is the event of the year if you're into birds and wildlife. There are hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts. You'll find everything, from scopes to sculptures, binoculars to bird food, eGuides to eco-holidays!
Every day a packed programme of events is offered. Three separate timetables boast a fantastic variety of lectures. The Events Marquee hosts quiz shows, question and answer sessions, exclusive book launches and family-based entertainment. The Birdfair Auction offers you the chance to bid for a whole host of lots, donated by our exhibitors, ranging from holidays, to artwork, to unique one-off experiences, with all the monies raised going directly to this year's Birdfair project.
WBC will provide a coach to ferry people to and from Rutland Water leaving from various pick up points in NE Suffolk from 7.30 hrs. onwards.
Leaders: Steve and Kathy Piotrowski
Venue: Time and pick up points to be agreed with Kathy
Described as the birdwatcher's Glastonbury, Birdfair encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. This is the event of the year if you're into birds and wildlife. There are hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts. You'll find everything, from scopes to sculptures, binoculars to bird food, eGuides to eco-holidays!
Every day a packed programme of events is offered. Three separate timetables boast a fantastic variety of lectures. The Events Marquee hosts quiz shows, question and answer sessions, exclusive book launches and family-based entertainment. The Birdfair Auction offers you the chance to bid for a whole host of lots, donated by our exhibitors, ranging from holidays, to artwork, to unique one-off experiences, with all the monies raised going directly to this year's Birdfair project.
WBC will provide a coach to ferry people to and from Rutland Water leaving from various pick up points in NE Suffolk from 7.30 hrs. onwards.
Leaders: Steve and Kathy Piotrowski
Venue: Time and pick up points to be agreed with Kathy
Waveney Stardust Cruise
Sunday 11 September 2011
Following on from last year’s fabulous cruise on the Waveney Stardust, WBC have again chartered the boat, but this time will sail from Oulton Broad in the afternoon and finish with a fish and chip dinner at the Waveney Hotel. The boat is designed primarily for disabled and/or elderly parties and the 42ft long boat is crewed by volunteers. Passenger’s needs are catered for throughout from helping them aboard to preparing tea or coffee. Hopefully, members will appreciate that as a club we pride ourselves in that we offer something for everyone. We also hope that you will understand that if we are over-subscribed then priority for places will be given to those members who, perhaps, find other trips too challenging to attend.
WBC has reserved the boat for an exclusive, half-day cruise enabling us to view spectacular landscapes such as those at Breydon Water, Berney Marshes, Somerleyton and Burgh Castle.
Leaders: Steve Piotrowski and Andrew Green
Cost: £8/head including teas, coffees and biscuits, which are available onboard. Members are advised to bring along additional drinks.
Venue: NB: VENUE HAS CHANGED! You would now need to meet at the jetty which is situated at the back of the Broadland Holiday Village, details of which I have attached. Once on the Broadland Holiday Village Site, you will note various parking areas, my advice would be to head down to the site’s clubhouse and you will find some parking spaces also there, if full use the car park near the main reception. The boat will be situated on the left at the end of the jetty (which is near the club house), they advise not to be alarmed if you cant see the boat straight away, it will be there, it’s just that the tides are very low. 19.00 – 20.00 hrs. If you are delayed en route, please ring the on board telephone 07803 145672, otherwise the boat will not wait!
For further details on the Waveney Stardust charity see: www.waveneystardust.co.uk
Following on from last year’s fabulous cruise on the Waveney Stardust, WBC have again chartered the boat, but this time will sail from Oulton Broad in the afternoon and finish with a fish and chip dinner at the Waveney Hotel. The boat is designed primarily for disabled and/or elderly parties and the 42ft long boat is crewed by volunteers. Passenger’s needs are catered for throughout from helping them aboard to preparing tea or coffee. Hopefully, members will appreciate that as a club we pride ourselves in that we offer something for everyone. We also hope that you will understand that if we are over-subscribed then priority for places will be given to those members who, perhaps, find other trips too challenging to attend.
WBC has reserved the boat for an exclusive, half-day cruise enabling us to view spectacular landscapes such as those at Breydon Water, Berney Marshes, Somerleyton and Burgh Castle.
Leaders: Steve Piotrowski and Andrew Green
Cost: £8/head including teas, coffees and biscuits, which are available onboard. Members are advised to bring along additional drinks.
Venue: NB: VENUE HAS CHANGED! You would now need to meet at the jetty which is situated at the back of the Broadland Holiday Village, details of which I have attached. Once on the Broadland Holiday Village Site, you will note various parking areas, my advice would be to head down to the site’s clubhouse and you will find some parking spaces also there, if full use the car park near the main reception. The boat will be situated on the left at the end of the jetty (which is near the club house), they advise not to be alarmed if you cant see the boat straight away, it will be there, it’s just that the tides are very low. 19.00 – 20.00 hrs. If you are delayed en route, please ring the on board telephone 07803 145672, otherwise the boat will not wait!
For further details on the Waveney Stardust charity see: www.waveneystardust.co.uk
Migration Watch — Sizewell to Minsmere
Sunday 18 September 2011
Our principal target will be migrating birds, although we will also search for other wildlife such as the otter and water vole. The walk will start from Sizewell car park (just south of the Power Station) where we will scan the rigs for gulls and terns. We will then search the bushes at the front of the Power Station for passage migrants – this is an excellent spot to look for Black Redstarts. We will then walk north towards Minsmere, but veer off inland to take the Sandlings Walk to Goose Hill, scanning the Sizewell Levels en route for wildfowl and waders. The public footpaths will be followed to the Minsmere River and then on to The Sluice where we will search out migrants at the Sluice Bushes. We may pop into Minsmere Reserve and/or scan the sea before making our way back to Sizewell along the back of the dunes.
This is quite a long (8-mile return) walk, so if you have walking difficulties, then this event is not for you.
Leaders: Roger Walsh & Carl Powell Venue: Meet at Sizewell car park at 08.00 a.m.
Our principal target will be migrating birds, although we will also search for other wildlife such as the otter and water vole. The walk will start from Sizewell car park (just south of the Power Station) where we will scan the rigs for gulls and terns. We will then search the bushes at the front of the Power Station for passage migrants – this is an excellent spot to look for Black Redstarts. We will then walk north towards Minsmere, but veer off inland to take the Sandlings Walk to Goose Hill, scanning the Sizewell Levels en route for wildfowl and waders. The public footpaths will be followed to the Minsmere River and then on to The Sluice where we will search out migrants at the Sluice Bushes. We may pop into Minsmere Reserve and/or scan the sea before making our way back to Sizewell along the back of the dunes.
This is quite a long (8-mile return) walk, so if you have walking difficulties, then this event is not for you.
Leaders: Roger Walsh & Carl Powell Venue: Meet at Sizewell car park at 08.00 a.m.
Estonia — Baltic Migration
21 - 29 September 2011
Following on from last year’s successful trip to Poland, this 9-day birdwatching tour has been organised to enable us to witness the amazing volume of migrating birds that pass through Estonia on autumn passage.
As the Arctic summer draws to its conclusion, huge numbers of birds are forced to complete their southerly migrating passing through Estonia en route. The assemblages of wildfowl and waders reach spectacular proportions in the marshes fringing the Baltic coastline and one of the most prominent species will be the tens of thousands of Common Crane which are a feature of Estonia in September. As well as the regular migrants there are sure to be a few unexpected surprises during an action-packed week dedicated to observation of the autumn migration phenomenon.
WBC will hire two (or perhaps three) mini-busses to ferry members between sites. Places are are being booked fast, although there were still a few places left at the time of writing. Follow this link to view itinerary.
Leaders: Steve Piotrowski and John Grant
Following on from last year’s successful trip to Poland, this 9-day birdwatching tour has been organised to enable us to witness the amazing volume of migrating birds that pass through Estonia on autumn passage.
As the Arctic summer draws to its conclusion, huge numbers of birds are forced to complete their southerly migrating passing through Estonia en route. The assemblages of wildfowl and waders reach spectacular proportions in the marshes fringing the Baltic coastline and one of the most prominent species will be the tens of thousands of Common Crane which are a feature of Estonia in September. As well as the regular migrants there are sure to be a few unexpected surprises during an action-packed week dedicated to observation of the autumn migration phenomenon.
WBC will hire two (or perhaps three) mini-busses to ferry members between sites. Places are are being booked fast, although there were still a few places left at the time of writing. Follow this link to view itinerary.
Leaders: Steve Piotrowski and John Grant
Weekend Migration Watch — Orford Ness National Nature Reserve
Orford Ness is the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. This National Trust nature reserve contains a variety of habitats including shingle, saltmarsh, mudflat, brackish lagoons and grazing marsh and has proved to be a magnet for migrating birds. Regular monitoring by members of Landguard Bird Observatory has demonstrated the importance of the site as a migrant stop off point. The Ness also important for breeding birds and its coastal shingle flora include a large number of nationally rare species.
There are toilets onsite and, although the tracks and paths that circumnavigate the reserve are level, access to and from “the island” is difficult for disabled visitors. The walk will be leisurely, but is approximately 6 miles long.
This event will formally start at 8.00 a.m. on the Sunday, although there is limited availability for a few members who wish to stay overnight in the self-catering dormitory block.
Right - WBC’s first outing to Orfordness in 2009 – © Steve Piotrowski
Leaders: Steve Piotrowski and Mike Marsh
Venue: Meet on Orford Quay at 8.00 a.m.
Please park in the Orford Town Council pay-and-display car park close to the quay. The cost of the current permit and ferry fees will apply, which is payable with booking or on the quay. Details of 2011 permit fees to be published at a later date.
Birds of Sri Lanka — Roger Walsh
Monday 17 October 2011
In August 2006, Roger and Linda visited Sri Lanka for a 16-day guided tour. The aim was to take in the historical, cultural and birding/wildlife of this beautiful country. We were not disappointed, enjoying a trip list of 198 birds, two views of leopard and an incredible range of sights from this tropical jewel of an island.
This talk will share in all these aspects of Sri Lankan life, from the leeches of the rain forests, elephants and monkeys, to watching Sri Lankan Whistling Thrush and learning about the villager’s post-Tsunami life.
Venue: Bungay & District Sports Association Ground Time: 7.30 p.m.
In August 2006, Roger and Linda visited Sri Lanka for a 16-day guided tour. The aim was to take in the historical, cultural and birding/wildlife of this beautiful country. We were not disappointed, enjoying a trip list of 198 birds, two views of leopard and an incredible range of sights from this tropical jewel of an island.
This talk will share in all these aspects of Sri Lankan life, from the leeches of the rain forests, elephants and monkeys, to watching Sri Lankan Whistling Thrush and learning about the villager’s post-Tsunami life.
Venue: Bungay & District Sports Association Ground Time: 7.30 p.m.
Corton to Hopton
Sunday 23 October 2011
The stretch of coastline between Corton and Hopton is one of the best areas to see autumn migration in all its glory. In the past 30 years, the wooded copses, scrub and stubble fields have attracted rarities such as Great Snipe, Red-flanked Bluetail, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Pallas’s Warblers, Red-eyed Vireo and Rustic and Pine Buntings. Of course, such events are largely dependent on the weather and we will pray winds in the eastern quarter.
Leaders: Andrew Easton and Rob Wilton
Venue: Meet at Links Road car park at 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.
The stretch of coastline between Corton and Hopton is one of the best areas to see autumn migration in all its glory. In the past 30 years, the wooded copses, scrub and stubble fields have attracted rarities such as Great Snipe, Red-flanked Bluetail, Dusky, Yellow-browed and Pallas’s Warblers, Red-eyed Vireo and Rustic and Pine Buntings. Of course, such events are largely dependent on the weather and we will pray winds in the eastern quarter.
Leaders: Andrew Easton and Rob Wilton
Venue: Meet at Links Road car park at 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.
50 years of birdwatching in the Waveney Valley — Derek Moore
Derek Moore OBE needs no introduction being the former Director of SWT, Suffolk Bird Recorder and Report Editor.
Right: Super-cool Derek on his stolen Vespa in 1961 – note that his crash-hat is kept on top of his saddle bags
Derek is now semi-retired, but continues to work very hard as an author, broadcaster, wildlife campaigner and ecological advisor to Welsh Water. He was born and raised in Beccles and was bird-watching in the Waveney Valley when most of us were just a twinkle in our dear ol’ dad’s eye. He will talk to us about his exploits whilst bird-watching in the Waveney Valley as he new it 50 (if not 60!) years ago. Derek’s nostalgic journey into the past will cover the personalities involved, the birds, the habitats and activities. He will discuss optical equipment used in those days before the mobile phone replaced the notebook and when photographing birds was a major operation.
Venue: Bungay & District Sports Association Ground Time: 7.30 p.m.
WBC Christmas Social Night
Saturday 17 December 2011
This will be a fantastic night of celebration judging by last year’s event. Included is a superb carvery dinner with an excellent vegetarian option, a bird quiz, an after-dinner speech by a guest speaker and music. Could you ask for more, so come along and join in the fun?
Venue: Bungay & District Sports Association Ground Time: 7.30 p.m.
This will be a fantastic night of celebration judging by last year’s event. Included is a superb carvery dinner with an excellent vegetarian option, a bird quiz, an after-dinner speech by a guest speaker and music. Could you ask for more, so come along and join in the fun?
Venue: Bungay & District Sports Association Ground Time: 7.30 p.m.