Rob Thomas will look at the history of Eagles in Wales, and the current research being carried out at Cardiff University to assess the feasibility of reintroducing Golden and White-tailed Eagles to Wales.
A full day visiting WWT Slimbridge. Meet Dave Brassey in the car park at 9:15 am. There is a charge payable for entry unless you are a member of WWT.
Winter visitors include Bewick and Whooper Swans.
Visit the new observation hide with views across the reserve.
There are catering facilities on site or you may wish to bring your own food.
Peter Rock will speak about the history of urban breeding and show why these gulls are vilified and what’s been done to rid our towns and cities of this ‘serious menace’. Or to put it another way, what the gulls have done to upset the world and how visibly the world has responded. Yes, he has the pictures! He’ll also speak about what he’s been doing over the years and what he’s found out. No, they’re not thuggish, nor are they vengeful… The truth is quite different from the mis- and disinformation we’ve all heard. Come along and discover who these birds really are!
Gary Prescott, ‘the Biking Birder’, will introduce us to the birds, reserves and people seen and met during the three years spent cycling around the UK and the seven months spent cycling and packrafting in Peru. Come and learn about The Biking Birder years, including becoming the UK, the European and World Green Birding Champion in 2016!
After a lifetime of being captivated and inspired by Charles Darwin and his voyage on the Beagle, Baz tells the story of his visit to Patagonia and The Andes, including some of its history and wildlife.
A moderate 2 – 3 hour walk for mountain & moorland birds.
Meet Nick Beswick at the ASDA Brynmawr car park at 9:00 am
Meet Keith Roylance at the entrance car park to Blaen Bran Woodland, Upper Cwmbran at 8:30 am for a moderate 3 hr walk through this community woodland. Woodland birds with potential for cuckoo 7 raptors on the mountainside above the wood.
Meet John Coleman on the roadside by Osbaston School, Monmouth, NP25 3PU (SO507137) at 8:30 am for a leisurely 3 hr walk along the banks of the Monnow and country lanes. Will Yellowhammers be here this year?
Meet Andrew Cormack at the walkers car park, Queen’s Head Pub, Nr. Cwmyoy (SO311221) at 9:00 am. Fee payable to pub for car parking.
A woodland walk for Redstart and Flycatchers. There are some steep climbs during the walk, wear suitable footwear.
An easy walk to look for Nightjar. Meet Gavin Vella at Cadira Beeches car park at 20:00 for a 2 – 3 hour walk.
An easy walk through the Society owned woodland in search of Spotted Flycatcher and other woodland species.
The walk continues along the canal tow path to Goytre Wharf where a short break will be taken for refreshments (bring your own or purchase in the cafe).
The return via Goytre Hall wood back to the car park. Approx. 3 hours.
Meet Steph Tyler at 8:30 am at Beacon View car park (SO515054) for a moderate 3 hour walk in this largely unspoilt part of Gwent.
Meet Dave Brassey at Ham Wall reserve car park at 9:00 am for a full days birding on this large RSPB reserve. Breeding Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Hobby and many more. Easy walking on level paths. Bring packed lunch, Limited food facilities at the car park.
Car parking free for RSPB members, a charge for non-members – remember to bring your membership card for verification.
This event is organised by the Goldcliff Ringing Group and booking is essential – book at: surveys@gwentbirds.org.uk
The event is weather dependent.
It is expected that various warblers and other reed bed passerines will be caught in the nets and ringed. Come and learn more about the activities of the Goldcliff Ringing Group.
Park at the RSPB car park at Uskmouth – free to RSPB members (obtain a token from the centre). Charge payable for non-members.
For information only – A date for your diary.
Simon Bedford will tell us about his relationship with peregrines, from schoolboy to Schedule 1 license holder, and introduce us to the ecology of this magnificent species.
Stay at the bird observatory on Portland Bill for a two night stay. £16 per night in shared accomodation. Take sleeping bag and food for self catering. Booking essential as accommodation is limited Book from 1st July with Dave Brassey.
Car sharing encouraged as there is limited parking at the observatory.
Meet Ian Walker at Fourteen Locks car park (Small charge) for a 2 to 3 hour walk along the canal and across fields.
Wellies advisable as route can be extremely muddy in places. Refreshments available at the end of the walk in the Fourteen Locks cafe at the car park.