Contents
- Group Leader's notes
- Why you should say YES! Opt-in to maximise your support for the RSPB
- Flying the flag
- Wonderful websites
- Bath Swift Survey
- BTO invites you to a great day out
- Past events
- Reports on Outdoor meetings
- Reports on Indoor meetings
- Forthcoming events
- Outdoor meeting dates
- Indoor meeting talks
- Your committee
Newsletters are sponsored by London Camera Exchange
The Group welcomes contributions to the Newsletter,
Editor Val Mead 07505 774192 mead.val@gmail.com
Group Leader's notes
David Robertson describes Bath Group's activities
These notes were available at the last AGM on 13 December 2017, at which I summarised the highlights.
It is with great sadness that we note the death during the year of Ken Thwaite who was Group Leader from 1989 to 1998. An obituary appeared in the last Newsletter. Sadly, Rob Miles, a member for many years also passed away.
Our venue for indoor meetings at St. Andrew's Community Church continues to be popular with those attending, as well as our speakers. The meetings this session have been well attended, with an average of 75, and we have had three outstanding speakers.
Robert Hargreaves has had an eventful first year as Treasurer, coping with the transfer of our bank account from the Co-op Bank to Lloyds Bank, but the change is now complete. The downside is that we will need to re-establish Standing Orders with the new bank, as they cannot be automatically transferred. Robert has also streamlined the Group's computerised accounts system.
We have maintained a satisfactory financial position and have donated £500 to the RSPB reed-bed projects. Pin-badge collections of £2,408 and RSPB goods-sales total of £546 exceeded last year's figures. Thanks go to Alan and Gillian Barrett, and Jean Melksham, as well as our several pin-badge money collectors, for doing such a fine job.
Membership has been stable around 200 and your continued donations are very much appreciated.
Once again, your Committee has worked hard to ensure the Group's activities are interesting and enjoyable and I should like to reiterate my thanks for their on-going and willing support.
Collecting used stamps to support the 'Save the Albatross' project continues apace with several albums being donated as well as individual packets of stamps. Don't forget to save the stamps from Christmas cards and parcels.
London Camera Exchange and Prior Park Garden Centre continue to sponsor us, for which we are most grateful. Please remember that London Camera Exchange will give you a discount on purchases when you show your Local Group Membership card.
I have attended two meetings of the national project team for Local Group Leader, David Robertson, describes Bath Group's activities Group 50th Anniversary Celebrations and RSPB nationally are formulating a consistent approach for Local Groups nearing this benchmark. Tim Hughes is now our
Volunteering Development Officer in Exeter and is very supportive.
The Bath Swift Group's first Bath Swift Survey was very successful and provides us with a basis against which to compare future surveys. More nests were noted than were recorded in the RSPB survey done in 2009-11, but we are still receiving occasional notifications of additional nest sites that were not identified during the summer. Stewart Owen did an excellent job with all the statistics and mapping. Details of the survey results and general information about swifts can be found on pages 10-11 of this Newsletter.
Over the summer we again attended seven events. We get numerous requests from local organisations but have been more selective this year to avoid stretching resources too much. Lin Perry again marshalled volunteers and managed organisers in her usual, effective manner.
Again, outdoor trips have been well attended and were enjoyable and productive as far as birds are concerned, in no small way as a result of the planning and organisation of Trip Leaders, under Tom Pinckheard's co-ordination. Thanks to them all for wonderful work!
I have given four talks to various organisations about the RSPB, its history and work in the UK and abroad. Your support of RSPB nationally and locally is vital to its success and influence, and I thank you for continuing to be involved in helping to 'Give Nature a Home'.
Any advertisements enclosed with this newsletter are not specifically endorsed by the RSPB or the Bath and District Local Group
Say Yes
You will be aware of the Government's pressure on all commercial companies and charities to ensure the privacy of those to whom they send messages.
In fact, those of you who are members of the RSPB will have read Mike Clarke's message asking you to Say Yes so that you may continue to receive RSPB emails and letters.
The same will be true of us, your local branch. Look out in the coming months for information from Jean Melksham so that you can sign up and we can continue to contact you by email and post.
Flying the Group's flag
Lucy Delve gives a personal view on:
When David Robertson made a plea to a group member to assist Lin Perry, who organises the presence of our peripatetic RSPB stand, I thought I would give it a go. I have some experience of such public events, volunteering for Bath Natural History Society. So, what did I learn from the experience, which is, for a start, not exactly hard graft?
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| Stalwarts of the RSPB Stalls: Lin Perry and Jean Melksham |
I thoroughly enjoyed my stint (no wader-pun intended) at Newton St Loe Village Day on May Bank Holiday Monday. We were located near the church, in between a delicious food stall and two young men selling freshly squeezed juice, with an alcoholic option! There were other stalls in the village square and close to Newton St Loe Farm Shop. You could indulge in a cream tea in a private garden or buy a wide range of hot and cold food. A miniature train could transport you around the village, which was really charming, and the Morris Dancers put on a good show. Also, a three-piece band stopped at various points to play a few tunes to visitors and stall holders - we were fortunate that they stopped directly opposite us! With four of us on duty and only two generally needed at any one time to speak with visitors, there was ample opportunity to wander off for about 20 minutes.
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| What's a ferret got to do with our local group |
The show started at 13.30, but the wonderful Dutch fairground organ was playing as we were setting up the stand at about 12.30. John, Lin, Jean and I talked to quite a number of people, a few pin badges were purchased and we plugged the activities of our local group and the delights of the Somerset Levels. There was also interest in the Swifts Project.
The judging began at 16.00, after the final ferret race and the last run in the dog agility contest. I saw
the last ferret race (four ferrets competing) and simply had to place a bet on the ferret named Lucy. She won!!
As the event was a modest village affair, we were conveniently placed to observe much of the goings-on around the playing field. We certainly had time to wander off to explore other exhibitions and take a look in the marquee full of local produce and cakes, children's artwork, poetry, floral displays and photographs, all of which had been under the scrutiny of the judges.
Lin has a small but dedicated team of helpers. Sometimes one or two of us cannot make the date in question and a few more volunteers that could reliably be called upon as and when needed would be greatly appreciated.
So, would you be prepared to give up just one Bank Holiday a year? If my experiences in 2017 are
anything to go by, you will have a really enjoyable, interesting and rewarding day.
A footnote of thanks from Lin Perry:
I personally thank everyone who gave their time to help on the stall. They do a great job of promoting the RSPB - in particular, our own Bath local group.Wonderful websites!
Helen Daniels writes:
Click onto: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bath to access a page like this:
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| This is the up-to-the-minute way to see what is going on and what is coming up for our Local Group! |
But Helen, our Webmaster, has reservations about so-called 'Wonderful websites'.
"As someone quite rightly pointed out to me:
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!
"In practice, to align the website with other Local Groups, the RSPB understandably controls the dis-
play, the pages and the capabilities of our site, leaving local groups little flexibility. For instance, it remains extremely frustrating that only one picture from each of our superb trips can be shown. We are promised better things in the future: perhaps a link to a Flickr site?
Who knows?
"It certainly would be great to have something more interactive, where, for instance, people can post what they are seeing in their gardens, local parks or favourite haunts, in and around Bath.
"Nevertheless, I am always pleased to hear from members so that I can put their news and ideas on the website. This would complement what is already there about our beginners' walks, day trips, indoor meetings and group representation at local events.
"So, PLEASE do send your news to me and, once I have booked a slot on the home computer, it only
takes about 10 minutes for it all to go live."
Keep those ideas coming:
Armed with the evidence of what our website users want, we can badger RSPB for the improvements we so greatly need.
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The Bath Swift Survey of 2017
Stewart Owen, the leader of the Bath swift survey, reports:
Since the start of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in 1994, the UK population of swifts has declined by 51%, putting swifts on the 'Red List' of endangered species; this downward trend is set to continue unless action is taken.
There has been a lack of accurate information on the breeding population of swifts in Bath, certainly
insufficient to guide the actions of those (planners, developers, builders, conservationists) who directly impact the sustainability of our local swifts.
Prompted by the RSPB national survey on swifts, the Bath and District Local RSPB Group set up a team of enthusiasts whose first objective was to find out where swifts nest within a 5 km radius from Bath centre. This survey was carried out between May and August 2017. Subject to the limitations of the survey scope, observer skills and resources, the main findings are:
Nest Sites
Nest sites were found in 15 of the 40 one kilometre survey squares covering the Bath survey area.
34 separate buildings were found to be sites of swift occupation, in which a maximum of 48 nests was estimated. Except where a few homeowners were vigilant, the breeding success of these nests was not determined.
Most occupied sites had just one nest, but one building had six nests.
31 out of the occupied 34 buildings were domestic houses, over half being built before 1919.
Results from the 2017 Bath Swift Survey
From the limited data collected, swifts appeared to favour nest sites facing from NE to SW.
The longest continuous period of swift occupation claimed was about 30 years.
Only three out of 25 available nest boxes were found to be occupied by swifts.
Swift Screaming / Low-flying Parties
Screaming parties were observed at 45 separate sites that were in 19 of the 40 one-kilometre survey squares covering the Bath survey area.
The numbers and distribution of screaming parties suggest that the number of observed nest sites is an under-estimate of the real number.
Abandoned Nest Sites
Only two formerly occupied nest sites were recorded as not used by swifts in 2017; however, this is undoubtedly an under-estimate due to the lack of reliable historical information.Public Engagement
Just about all members of the public encountered during the survey expressed their liking for swifts, many provided anecdotes of greater swift numbers during their younger days in Bath.
Proposed Action resulting from survey findings
The results of this survey will be shared with B&NES Planning Department, the Bristol Environmental Records Centre and a number of wildlife organisations.
A repeat survey will be carried out in 2018, during which greater public involvement will be sought.
You will find more information about the 2018 survey and how you may join in at:
www.swift-conservation.org
or email Stewart at bathswifts@gmail.com
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The BTO South-west Conference, 18th March
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| An Irresistible Invitation |
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Past events
23 September 2017 - Keyhaven
Led by Tom Pinckheard, Written by Tom Rogers
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| Grey Phalarope wading, not the usual swimming - Tim Locke |
Keyhaven in Hampshire on the Solent, right opposite the Isle of Wight.
As we started out from Bath, the weather did not look propitious: drizzle and grey, overcast skies.
Fortunately, by the time we reached Keyhaven, the sky was blue and the sun was shining, though a gentle, southerly breeze had most members reaching for their coats!
We began by walking across the car park to an unnamed lane leading eastwards from Keyhaven, where one of the first birds we saw was a kingfisher - hopefully heralding the start of a good bird list. Further along the lane, we joined Hampshire County Council's 'Brent Trail' that led to Pennington Marshes, right alongside the seashore.
Once on the trail, we spotted the birds expected at this time of year: turnstones. As it was almost high
tide, they were quite close to us, ideal for the photographers. After sighting a few more waders, one of our group picked up another target bird skulking in the bushes: a Dartford warbler. Then, almost vertically above it, we spotted a stonechat sitting right out in the open. It was here that another member received news on his pager of a wryneck being sighted on the reserve but, sadly, none of us saw it during that day. Then, more news on the grapevine: a grey phalarope on Keyhaven Marshes and this time, everyone had a very close, really brilliant view - one of the star birds of the day. Also to be seen on Keyhaven Marshes, were grey plovers - very smart, as they were still in their black and white summer plumage. Further along the walk, a pair of spoonbills was feeding in characteristic fashion: gently swiping their huge bills from side to side.
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| Spoonbills displaying their typical behaviour so well described by Tom Pinckheard 'gently swiping their huge bills from side to side |
On retracing our footsteps back to the car park, we saw many more birds. Together with those seen on the coach journey, the group's total number of bird species came to 81*, which I think may be a record for our recent field trips, as well as three butterflies and one roe deer.
Thanks to the 'Toms' for arranging, leading and reporting on this excellent trip.
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| High tide: time for the usually very busy, busy turnstones to have a nap on a breakwater. Tom Pinckheard |
★81 species
Editor: 81 is certainly a record since 2010 when I started editing the Newsletter
Saturday 21 October - Marshfield
Led and written by Margaret and Ian Jones
Marshfield is 550 m above sea level and famous for having its own micro-climate, which usually means strong winds and cold temperatures. On the morning of the 21 October, 17 brave members of Bath RSPB ventured up from sunny Bath. The winds of Storm Brian blew us across the A420 and out onto the bleak northern plains of the Village. Marshfield more than lived up to its reputation!
Fears were expressed that all the birds would be blown away, but we were soon delighted to see late swallows flying overhead. They seemed in no hurry to be leaving. Several flocks of small birds were spotted and identified as linnets, goldfinches and chaffinches. The next sighting was a mistle
thrush (more common on the south side of the village) and pied wagtails bobbing and ducking along the stone walls.
On regular walks on this route, I can guarantee to spot yellowhammers and skylarks, and they soon appeared. A yellowhammer can brighten up even the coldest, dullest day! Jackdaws, rooks and crows worked their way over the arable fields but no buzzards appeared. I cannot claim to have made regular or detailed counts, but it seems to me there are fewer buzzards and more kestrels in this area than there were.
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| Spot the yellowhammer seeking shelter on this WINDY day Thanks to Suk Trippier for this photo showing even birds had to hide from the wind |
and common gull. The stonechat was missing from his usual wall off the lane but was spotted by one of our members in Rushmead Farm. The large bushes on the corner of Tormarton Road are sometimes full of corn buntings, but not this day. Perhaps it was just too windy for them. Anyone who drives along Tormarton Road will know that pheasants enjoy playing 'let's run out in front of a car'. Their numbers seem to increase every year.
Presumably, they are survivors from the Badminton Estate shoots. Before reaching the relative shelter of Marshfield High Street, and perhaps a cup of tea, we saw red-legged partridge, song thrush, magpie, blackbird and sparrow.
A successful excursion, given the extreme conditions. I hope members enjoyed the walk. It was certainly a good blow!
Editor: The hardy and enthusiastic Bath Birders! I have heard that everyone did indeed enjoy the walk. Thank you, Margaret and Ian.
Sunday 19 November - Saltford
Led and written by Robert Hargreaves
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| Grey Wagtail at Swineford |
On the bridge over the river was a distant mistle thrush, with a greenfinch beneath. A song thrush was singing, our first of the autumn. On top of the Bird in Hand, a collared dove perched.
Walking west along the cycle track, chaffinches and a jay were found, and Terry Doman spied a sparrowhawk winging through the trees.
After 400 yards, we turned into the fields along a path with six rickety stiles. Some roe deer scampered across the field. In a tree with woodpigeons, a green woodpecker gave good views. On the left, distant redwing flitted about but the grass airstrip was disappointing as the sheep were being herded into a pen and only a few of the pied wagtails and meadow pipits were left.
Below: The first fieldfare of the winter
No red-legged partridges were spotted in the fields before Avon Farm but good sightings were had of pheasant, lots of song thrushes and more meadow pipits, redwings and bullfinches.
On our way down to Swineford Lock, some dog walkers disturbed three roe deer. They came running up towards us, only veering off at the last moment. Wow!
By the weir, a beautiful spot with an old lifeboat, the lock and reed beds, we saw a grey wagtail, a moorhen and a flock of long-tailed tits.
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| A kingfisher considering a dive |
the group from seeing the kingfisher!
And then we were up on the cycle track by the Avon Valley Railway station. From here, we saw our first fieldfare, four Canada geese flying up river, two buzzards in one tree and a kestrel.
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| The first fieldfare of the winter |
The number of song thrushes was a real surprise and good to hear them singing. The group was pleased to see so many birds so close to Bath.
18 walkers and 46 species.
Editor: Two local venues rich with birds. The birding season ends well—thanks to all our expert leaders!
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Past events
Indoor meetings
On 20 September 2017Edward Mayer gave a talk:
Swifts!
A Bird We Can All Help
First, some swift facts (pun intended!) they:
eat 20,000 insects each a day
actively hunt insects, not passively trawl for them
fly, start and stop stunningly fast: predator-evading tactics
drink by flying only 5 mm above the water surface and too fast to be seen by anything but a modern camera
eat, sleep and mate on the wing
have been extant for 70 million years and have not changed since pre-dinosaur times
are studied by aeronautical
engineers for their swing- wing, leading-edge-vortex construction
can migrate for four days non-stop.
Why should we care? Swifts are the best way of dealing with mosquitoes, flies, termites and aphids. When an Italian town demolished its old buildings and its swift nest sites, they were plagued by mosquitoes that the swifts had previously held in check. But, apart from the physical health aspects, who doesn't feel an uplift that summer is here when our swifts return? Celebrations are springing up all over Europe to welcome back the swifts- including the banner displays in our very own Bradford-on-Avon.
So what did Edward suggest are broadcast from the new should be done? Install nest boxes - there are many designs, none of which is complex or expensive
ensure that new-build has nesting boxes/bricks incorporated
look out for other suitable nesting sites: under bridges, church towers, signal boxes
pressurise local planning authorities.
Help is at hand Reassure the 'public' that swift nests are not messy: no droppings, no feathers
swifts are site-faithful and will continue to use a nest site if undisturbed
swifts as a colony can be attracted to new, nearby nest sites if swift screams are broadcast from the new boxes
lobby local builders
superb info. and help is easily available from the wonderful website:
contact or join your local swift conservation group. The best way to find out more is to visit the local BathRSPB site at:
Editor: So, can we ensure that Edward's message inspires us to fill our skies with these wonderful birds?
YES, WE CAN!
On 18 October 2017
East Anglian Wildlife
Gordon Small... came to show his fantastic photos of this wonderful area of the UK :
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| The flexible bill tip of the black-tailed godwit enables it to open its bill to catch worms under the mud |
Here is one of a jay that had learnt to push its head into a bird feeder, but ended up shorn of its fancy top-knot!
It is such a pity that we can't show you his photos in colour: not only were there wonderful portraits of birds that showed clearly their characteristics and their habitat, but there were many unusual ones - some of which made us roar with laughter.
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Was this skua guarding its nest? No - a bird it had caught for dinner.
Gordon called this photo "Little and Large'. Then, there was this lovely sequence of courting sand martins.
Editor: We appreciated Gordon's eye for the unusual
On 15 November 2017
Marek Borkowski
... came to give us an inspired talk about his life's work in restoring the Biebrza Marshes:
Pole Position:
Wildlife and its Protection in NE Poland
Marek began by explaining why Poland is unique in the variety of species to be found in the Biebrza Marshes. Even 200 years ago, the variety in NE Poland was much greater than anywhere else in the continent of Europe and the adjoining part of Asia. What's more, unlike many other wildlife-rich habitats and despite some setbacks, it has retained that richness.
The key factors include:
The basic human desire to protect one's territory and the marsh provided such a border: for instance, no armies could pass through, because either carriages sank in the marshes or there was no foraging for horses in the boggy woodlands.
Unsuitable for dense populations as the soil is poor since it is glacial sand and gravel, interspersed with peat; groundwater derives from snow-melt rather than from any rivers that might bring nutritious silt; the winter is extremely cold (-20℃).
The attitude of the inhabitants which led to a pattern of occupation characterised by:
* the need to produce manure rather than meat or milk;
* carts having to travel on different routes to avoid creating deep ruts;
* indigenous horses eating young willow, preventing woods taking over the marshes. These horses have specially-adapted hooves that enable them to stand for hours in water;
* 'hay' which has to stand for months until it to be transported over the frozen surface;
* cultural factors help to preserve wildlife, eg believing that, since white storks bring luck, the storks are encouraged and not persecuted.
Photos from Wiki as Marek could not send us any of his in time for publication.
Konik pony: note pale coat, lowered head and sturdy hooves.
Minsmere have 'imported' some of these ponies to help in managing its scrub
Great snipe: ready to display those white tail feathers in flight
Aquatic warbler: nesting in reed tussocks
European bison: not in large herds like the American bison
All this has resulted in a human population of less than 1 per square mile and the preservation of an area rich in wildlife.
This idyll started to unwind during the communist era, as efforts were made to convert the area to orthodox farming, with the consequent breakdown of the unique swamp habitat, flora and fauna.
However, in 1989, as the communist regime faded, Marek began in earnest to do all he could to reverse the process. He bought land and put traditional Polish ponies on it to clear up the encroaching willow.
His guiding principle was to provide breeding areas, since, however, protected migratory routes were and however illegal shooting and trapping were made, the crucial factor was ensuring the right conditions for successful reproduction.
Today, the Biebrza Marshes are home to healthy populations of Polish ponies, bison, lynx, beavers, wolves, elk, pine martens, polecats, corncrakes, great snipes, aquatic warblers, ruffs, cranes, storks, terns, owls.
Could there be a more enticing list?
Poland is on our doorstep.
What's stopping us from going there?
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Forthcoming events
Outdoor meetings
Please note that booking is essential for trips by coach or with limited numbers.
Contact the leader or obtain booking forms at indoor meetings.
Note that cheques for coach trips will not be cashed until after the event.
For coach trips: please check your booking form for pickup locations and times; returning c18.00.
Thank you
Cancellations
If you need to cancel at short notice, PLEASE let the leader know, even if it is on the morning itself.
The Committee is aware that on occasion last year, leaders could have filled those places from their waiting list. Empty coach seats are a cost!
Saturday 27 January 2018 Portland / Weymouth
Leader: Dave Newman 07852 538451Coach: Joint RSPB/BathNats trip
Time: Check your booking form for pickup locations and times; returning c18.00
Booking essential by coach booking form and prepayment
Target birds: Wintering divers, grebes, geese, ducks, reedbed birds, bearded reedling
Sunday 25 February 2018 Blashford
Leader: Lucy Delve: 07895 191727
Cars: Meet at Blashford Nature Reserve car park.
Turn left onto Ellingham Drive, off the A338, just north of Ringwood.
Time: 10.00, all day Map: OS Landranger 195, GR 151082
No booking required
Target birds: Overwintering ducks, geese, winter migrants and woodland birds
Sunday 25 March 2018 Savernake Forest
Leader: Tom Rogers 01761 415264, 07732 629169
Cars: Postern Hill Picnic site near Marlborough, off the A346
Time: 09.30, all day
Map: OS Landranger 173, Explorer 157 GR 199680
Booking required to confirm numbers: contact Tom Rogers
Target birds: Woodpeckers
Sunday 22 April 2018 Dundas Canal and Conkwell
Leader: Terry Doman 01225 723563Cars: Canal Visitor Centre (pay and display) at the bottom of Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe
Time: 14.00, finish approx 17.00
Map: OS Landranger 172, Explorer 155 GR 782621
No booking required but walking boots advised
Target birds: Birds of the canal and woodland birds
Saturday 19 May 2018 Arne Nature Reserve
Leader: Tom Pinckheard 07444 699575
Coach: Joint RSPB/BathNats trip
Time: Check your booking form for pickup locations and times; returning c18.00.
Booking essential by coach booking form and prepayment
Target birds: Dartford warbler, waders and woodland birds
Saturday 16 June 2018 Wentwood, Newport Wetlands and Goldcliff
Leader: Lucy Delve 07895 191727
Cars: Candira Beeches car park in Wentwood Forest, near Chepstow
Time: 09.00, all day
Map: OS Landranger 171 GR 422947
No booking required
Target birds: Woodland birds, wildfowl, bearded reedling
Saturday 21 July 2018 Newton St Loe
Leader: Robert Hargreaves 07871 595394
Cars: Meet on the Hayes by the church in Newton St Loe, BA2 9BU
Time: 09.00, morning only
Map: OS Landranger 172
Explorer 155 GR 701648
No booking required
Target birds: Summer migrants, spotted flycatcher
Indoor Meetings
Wednesday 17 January 2018
Peter Basterfield - Wildlife in Your Garden
Peter needs no introduction—we say that every year—but this gives us a chance to assure him that we don't take him for granted! This year, Peter is going to show us a variety of fauna and flora that he has seen in various gardens he has known. The images will be not only of birds, but also mammals,
amphibians, reptiles, insects and plants.
Wednesday 21 February 2018
Dr Colin Ryall - Introduced Birds and Other Species: Increased Biodiversity or a Conservation Nightmare?
Colin, recently retired university lecturer in ecology and the environment. He has travelled abroad
extensively, working for eight years in Africa, where he led natural history field trips. His main research topic was invasive species and their effect on the local fauna and flora.
In particular, Colin's studies on introduced species have inspired his interest in 'gardening for wildlife'. This, as you will realise, links serendipitously with the subject of last month's talk.
Wednesday 21 March 2018
Ethne Conlin - Flamingos of the Rift Valley
Ethne first went to the Rift Valley in 2003 as a volunteer for Earth watch. She so loved the place that she returned in 2007 as a photographer on assignment for Leicester University.
She designed the presentation to be varied, educational and even amusing. It is illustrated, naturally,
with many stunning images.
Ethne hails from our area: from North Curry, so we are particularly pleased to hear what she has to say and see some of her wonderful photos.
Wednesday 18 April 2018
Ann and Phil Farrer - Taiwan: The Other China
On their website, Ann and Phil say Taiwan, the large island off China is rarely visited by westerners, yet it has spectacular scenery and a wealth of wildlife with many endemic bird species and sub-species.
This talk also encompasses photos of a visit to Lanyu, an isolated island in the South China Sea.
We look forward to welcoming and hearing this new speaker.
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Bath RSPB Local Group Committee
Group Leader: David Robertson 01225 834424 dirobertson43@gmail.com
Events and Volunteers: Lin Perry
Field Trips: Tom Pinckheard
Indoor Meetings: Linda Adams
Membership Secretary: Jean Melksham 01225 404985 jeanmelksham@blueyonder.co.uk
Minutes Secretary: Joy Franklin
Newsletter Editor: Val Mead
Publicity: John Yates johndyates@btinternet.com
Treasurer: Robert Hargreaves 07871 595394 rspb@rojofilms.co.uk
Website Manager: Helen Daniels
Committee Member: Alan Barrett
Committee Member: Peter Basterfield
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The RSPB is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654