Some time ago members were asked about their views on funding a nest box project within our local schools.  The view of the members was a very positive YES!  So we took you at your word, and I can now advise that a number of the boxes have now been made and are ready for collection/distribution, so can you lovely people help?

Myself and Helen Gooderham have been working on the project and we sincerely hope that a nearby school in your area may like a free nesting box?  Perhaps your child, grandchild, niece or nephew's school would like one?  Please could I ask you to speak to them and then contact either myself or Helen, whereby we will make arrangements to get a box to you.

You will also remember that the clubs view was that this would be a good way or promoting wildlife to children in our area and we hoped would support existing wildlife projects that the children are learning about in their schools.

The only thing we ask for the free box is that we are supplied with the details of where the box has gone.  The first box is free, if a school would like more, then please advise them that we only charge £1 per box for any others.

See the Poster and contact details - click here.

A Bird in the Hand……. After our meal, we were treated to a scientific demonstration by Professor Johann Von Granthousen on the art of bird ringing and how to take accurate body measurements. (Photos: Linda Allenby)

As previously reported, the RSPB Minsmere Family Days have been wonderful days out for both children and adults, not just in the part we as a ringing group have played but the whole event has been a wonderful wildlife experience. The weather wasn t always kind to us but with fifteen nets erected we managed to beat last years total by almost 200 birds.

Highlights were two Nuthatches ringed on 11th August, a first for the club.
Thanks to all the ringers who participated and the members who came to visit.

View Ringing Totals

Chris McIntyre (Ringing Secretary)

Buzzards have been present in Westhorpe since 2008 and successfully fledged one chick in 2009. On Friday 3rd June 2011 two healthy chicks were ringed at the nest site in Westhorpe. The adults are a well established pair and are seen most days above and around the farm and village. These chicks are the fourth and fifth buzzards ever ringed in Suffolk and hopefully during July they will be soaring on the thermals above Suffolk.

The chicks were ringed by Waveney Bird Club members Patrick Barker and Chris McIntyre. Special thanks go to local tree surgeon Mathew Allen for his climbing expertise.

Congratulations to WBC members Patrick and Brian Barker (cousins) of Lodge and Kiln Farm near Stowmarket in Suffolk, for being awarded Farmers Weekly "Countryside Farmer of the Year". For more details of the award click here.

Read about the going's on at the farm on the Barker Boys Blog.