RSPB SOUTH DORSET LOCAL GROUP NEWSLETTER No 65 August 2014

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We also play a leading role in a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations.

The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International, a partnership of conservation organisations working to give nature a home around the world.

Welcome to the 2014/2015 season of field trips and indoor meetings.

After 6 sterling years as Group Leader, Andrew Parsons stood down in April. The Group is now being run by committee , with RSPB support. However, input by you, our Group members, is also very welcome.

Overleaf is the programme of forthcoming Indoor Meetings and Field Trips which we hope you will support by attending: they are arranged for you! Remember that the Indoor Meetings are open to non-members , so bring along some friends and encourage them to join. Also included are the field trip reports and other articles of interest.

Thanks to Cherry Sanders for arranging an excellent programme of indoor meetings, following the committee's "brainstorming" session. Sadly, Cherry is moving away from this area, and so we do need someone to fulfil the role this autumn, initially to confirm current arrangements and then to plan the 2015/2016 season, with committee support. Can you help in this area? If so, please contact a committee member with your ideas for potential speakers and/or topics. We may also run another "brainstorming" session in the autumn.

Thanks too, to Mary Robins and Malcolm Dowty for the programme of Field Meetings. Various willing Group members, some not on the committee, will lead the excursions, as we make use of the skills of our wider membership.

Both social and fundraising events are a great opportunity for members to join in for a few hours; exchange news and views. The focus of the RSPB has widened: there is plenty to discuss amongst our membership.

A reminder: donations of suitable items are always needed for the raffle prizes at the Indoor Meetings.

Fortunately, John York continues as our Treasurer, the one committee role that is mandated by the RSPB, and involves a short training course. Funds that we hope to raise are forwarded to the RSPB to be spent on a habitat category chosen by our Group: e.g. Wetlands, Heathlands or Farmlands. John also uses his computer skills as Membership Secretary , also much appreciated.

Going forward, we intend to restore the small Noticeboard at indoor meetings. Any items for display will be welcomed, such as photographs taken at Group events to share. Also, a trial bookshelf will take your surplus bird/ natural history books for fundraising sale. Please bring any to the September or October meetings.

So, please bring your ideas and enthusiasm to take us forward as a Group. Feel free to contribute any relevant matters, such as your Birdwatching holidays, photographs included, for the next Newsletter.

Looking forward to seeing you all in September.

Your Committee.

FIELD TRIP REPORTS

BOLDERWOOD & RHINEFIELD—NEW FOREST - March 9th 2014

What turned out to be the first warm and sunny Sunday of the year meant that the New Forest was a busy place to be for the group’s visit to Bolderwood and Rhinefield. Car parks were full, ice-cream vans were doing a roar- ing trade and the roads were busy with cyclists and cars. The eleven members who attended nevertheless managed to avoid most of the crowds and recorded some good birds in the process. The car park at Bolderwood wasn’t too busy when we met up and a couple of Crossbills, a Mistle Thrush, Pied Wagtail and a Raven “kronking” overhead got us off to a great start. As we strolled round behind the deer park and through the arboretum, two males and a female Bullfinch flew about; one of the males carrying what looked like nesting material. A Marsh Tit showed briefly as did a Treecreeper and, as we were watching the latter, suddenly a couple of small birds flew into a tree close by. Firecrest! One gave us really close up views as it preened and then flew around our feet before feeding in a conifer. As we were watching it another Marsh Tit was also seen clearly plus a pair of Siskins; quite a purple patch. As we continued our walk back to the car park a Buzzard flew overhead, another Firecrest, a Goldcrest and some more usual woodland species were seen. After lunch we headed just down the road to Mark Ash Wood where we recorded another Firecrest, Treecreeper and Goldcrest, but probably due to disturbance from the many people wandering around the woodland, we didn’t get any hoped for Brambling. Our final stop was the Rhinefield Arboretum. Walking along the path we saw a male Crossbill and a Great Spotted Woodpecker and then, back near the entrance, Siskins were flying about and at least two more Firecrest gave great views as they flew around a conifer. Unfortunately the Hawfinches were not showing well with just one or two possibles flying over. Apart from the 23 bird species seen by the group, Peacock, Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were making the most of the sunny weather, but the bird of the day was certainly Firecrest, with six or seven seen.

Malcolm

MIDDLEBERE & ARNE - March 26th 2014

14 members met at Middlebere on an overcast day with a cold wind. We walked the track towards the hide diverting up the hill to overlook Wych Lake and towards Corfe Castle. Here the views of birds are rather distant but there were Redshank in the channels with Little Egrets, Shelduck, gulls and Curlew.

There were plenty of common small birds along the track but the biggest surprise was seeing a Badger in full daylight, very close to the cottages. This female individual was a bit scruffy so we assumed it was not in the best of health, but from the hide we saw a different Badger, a male this time in fine condition. So we concluded the Middlebere Badgers have unusual habits. Also from the hide we saw Canada Geese, Dunlin, Teal, Cormorant and a Yel- low Legged Gull.

We returned to the cars and moved to Arne for lunch and a walk around Coombe Heath, here we hoped to find Dartford Warblers. We spotted a Spoonbill in flight and saw Stonechat but the cold wind was probably keeping birds in cover. At the blind were close Curlews and distant small waders. Near the pond at the end of the walk is a sheltered depression, here we found 3 Dartford Warblers flitting about and eventually had good views. We arrived back at the centre just in time to shelter from a hailstorm with a welcome hot drink. The bird species seen and heard totalled 48 for the day.

Mary Robins

COGDEN BEACH - April 16th 2014

This outing was timed to observe spring migration, current reports from the Portland Bird Observatory indicated that small migrants had begun to arrive in good numbers only two days previously.

The field next to the car park was in ideal condition for Wheatears and there were several seen including a very bright adult male. We all saw a Yellowhammer near the car park and from the bushes looking down towards the sea there was the rattling call of Lesser Whitethroat. These small skulkers can be very difficult to find but luckily one was feeling brave and perched up for all the group to see and appreciate.

Further along we saw Linnets then a Cetti’s Warbler also showed itself well, another bird that can be harder to see than hear. A Sandwich Tern flew towards Portland; we also turned eastwards and hoped to find Whimbrel in the large field but this time they had not arrived. Cowslips were in profusion near the reed bed where in a pool we heard and saw the noisy Marsh Frogs. Here the group split for some to enjoy a longer route home. We watched a Raven being mobbed by Crows and admired a Linnet in beautiful breeding plumage; Blackcap and Willow Warblers were also seen.

16 members enjoyed the fine morning, the birds totalled 32 species seen and heard.

Mary Robins

SOMERSET LEVELS - April 27th 2014

A small but perfectly formed group of nine members set off from the Ashcott Corner car park at 9.30am onto the Ham Wall reserve. Our walk to the first viewing platform was accompanied by a chorus of birdsong and we had excellent views of singing blackcap, whitethroat and Cetti’s warbler amongst others. Garden warbler was heard but not seen, as was the surprise bird of the day – a nightingale. Nine pairs of eyes failed to spot this bird as it continued to sing from deep inside a thicket, but we were all nevertheless delighted to hear it! From the first viewing platform we detoured to the relatively new hide overlooking Waltons, from where one sharp-eyed member spotted a cuckoo perched in a distant tree. Although we heard cuckoos all morning, this was our only sighting. A reed bunting also gave good views, and did its best to sing. On our walk to and from the second viewing platform we saw marsh harrier, two bitterns and great white egrets, a singing mistle thrush and a few swifts. Two hobby flew over, and then obligingly perched on nearby dead trees in Loxtons. The views from the two platforms yielded nine species of duck, all in small numbers but including two male garganey.

After this productive morning, and lunch, we hoped the afternoon on Shapwick Heath reserve would be as good. There were around 30 black-tailed godwits on the scrape, as well as a few redshank and lapwing, but also one little ringed plover giving very good views. On the walk to and from Noah’s hide some of us had good views of singing garden warbler and reed warbler, and we all saw treecreeper. Altogether we saw around 54 species, and heard a few more: a good day!

Rob Wilkinson

RADIPOLE ROUNDUP

So, we are finally settling in with our new visitor operation at Radipole. The loss of the retail outlet seemed like a huge blow at the time but now two years have passed and I’d like to give you a short update of how it’s all going. The centre is now named the “Wild Weymouth Discovery Centre” and our mission is to engage with the public, both local and tourists and be a centre of excellence where people can come in and learn about not only our fantastic Weymouth reserves but also how they too can help to give nature a home in their own garden or school. We’ve had lots of local families finding us for the first time – often by word of mouth or sometimes through social media. They never knew we existed before (even though the hut has sat for over 30 years!) The fact that we have simple wildlife activities every day and also take families pond dipping is a huge draw. It’s so lovely to see the children come in and get interested in nature. Thanks to grants from various bodies we’ve been able to run some exciting new events and try out some new things. This year we took part in Dorset Art Weeks for the first time. We’ve also held successful reptile days and optic’s events just to name a few. Our small catering operation is also building up momentum. Summer is coming and it is then that our cream teas go down a real treat. Have you tried one yet? Most of our produce is sourced locally; in fact almost all of our baking takes place by a local lady from the Isle of Portland. Last but certainly not least, we are gathering lots of new support for the RSPB by gaining many new memberships. It’s great to see people taking the step to support us in this way. With more members our voice for nature keeps on growing!

Thank you all for your continued support. Michelle (centre manager)

The birding year at Radipole got off to a cracking start this year with a long staying glossy ibis at Radipole Park throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The bird was tame and allowed dog walkers and photographers to get very close before being forced to take flight. It stayed put until about 14th January, hope some of you got to see it. At least two bittern spent the winter with us, at least until the waters began to rise. As you all know last winter was the wettest for decades, and although Somerset took the brunt of the flooding, the Weymouth Reserves flooded too. This raised fears about the Visitor Centre going under again, but thankfully we got away with it this time. Otter sightings during daylight hours peaked during January and February. With their holt apparently flooded, it would appear that the animals were forced to hunt by day. Not so great for them but a bonus for us. Gull watching isn’t for everyone, but those that are into it were treated to daily sightings of Glaucous and Iceland gulls at various spots around Weymouth. February saw the arrival of several individuals at Radipole and Lodmoor, which occasionally hung around for more than a few minutes. A group of up to four spoonbills lingered at Lodmoor through the latter part of February and early March. The big news from March was the booming bittern at Lodmoor. We have known the conditions have been right in the reed-beds for some years, and this year the waiting was over with a booming male heard regularly. Early mornings as usual were the best times, but the bird was also heard sporadically throughout the day and often well into the evenings. Booming continued for almost a month, the most sustained period of booming ever recorded at Lodmoor. Sightings of two birds in display flights were recorded, and although it appears they weren’t successful this time it bodes well for next year. The first sand martins arrived in mid March, and by the end of the month other spring migrants such as swallow, reed and sedge warbler, wheatear and garganey began arriving. Oystercatchers at Lodmoor began pairing up, and the resident Marsh Harriers were joined by a new male. This is a good thing as until this year there had only really been the one regular Radipole male bird, and he is getting on a bit now, so some new blood is welcome. Sky-dancing harriers were seen at both the reserves, and by early April it was apparent that Weymouths Marsh Harrier factory was up and running again. Early April saw the arrival at Lodmoor for four days of a Red Rumped Swallow. Ospreys over-flew the reserves as usual, causing mass gull panic. Red Kites also put in appearances over Weymouth this month, and waders began pouring back into the country. The most notable of these was whimbrel with large numbers moving daily through Lodmoor. Other waders there included green and common sandpiper, bar and black tailed godwit, dunlin, little ringed plover and even a couple of avocets. A Temincks stint was there for a day. A nightingale sang at the top end of Lodmoor for a couple of weeks in May, and by the middle of the month common terns were back. There had been some concern about how they would do on the islands this year, after last year’s abandonment. However, writing this in July, they are still in control of the islands, chicks are present and they have been joined by nesting black headed gulls who produced chicks also, a first for Lodmoor. The arctic tern joined them again but once again failed to breed. At time of writing the marsh harriers have fledged at Lodmoor, with three, possibly four, young. But possibly the best news this year is that little terns at Ferrybridge have had their best year ever, with c 60 + chicks. Congratulations to tern warden Morgan and his team. Have a great summer and enjoy your birding.

Dan Bartlett, Senior Visitor Centre Assistant, Radipole Lake

WALK & LUNCH at the KINGCOMBE CENTRE— January 11th, 2014.

When you read this report the summer will be coming to an end and memories may not stretch back to the very wet winter we are experiencing. However the day of our walk and late Christmas lunch was glorious, sunshine all the way. About 13 met at the centre, near Toller Porcorum where the bird feeders are alive with blue tit, great tit, marsh tit, goldfinch and chaffinch. Suitably welly-booted we set off along the road and up Mary’s Well Lane. As the name implies this is very wet underfoot, with a stream that runs all year round. The banks of the lane are covered in ferns with atmospheric old tree stumps. Part way along you cross the spring line where the lane becomes drier after water visibly gurgles and bubbles to the surface. We crossed a field to a mixed woodland area with a few woodland birds calling distantly. At the end of the wood we spotted a large flock of thrushes in the field and made out mistle thrush, fieldfare and redwing. Further through the field was a flock of meadow pipits circling around. Our route took us along the quiet back lanes to the centre. Here we were served an excellent lunch and had a convivial time.

BIRDING IN LA BRENNE

One evening in January Bob returned home from a Dorset Wildlife Meeting with details of a holiday in La Brenne. This is an area in Central France where there are hundreds of lakes, which is very good for birds. There are also many butterflies, moths and flowers, especially orchids. The holiday was to be led by Nigel Spring and Kathy Hender- son. I immediately said I would like to go so put my name on the list. The holiday was from the 30th May – June 7th. There were 12 of us in the party including Nigel and Kathy. He had hired a minibus and trailed a trailer for the lug- gage. On the way to Portsmouth to catch the ferry he picked us all up at arranged stops. We went to a pub for a meal and then caught the overnight ferry to Le Havre. The journey to Mezieres, where we were staying, took about eight hours with two quite long stops en route. When we arrived at the hotel at 4.0 pm our rooms weren`t ready, so we sat in the square having a cool drink. Mezieres is a very old town with the hotel in the small square with the bar and su- permarket all very close. After we had unpacked we set off to the Cherine Nature Reserve, which is the main reserve in La Brenne. There we met Tony Williams, the Warden. Nigel had arranged to leave the trailer at the reserve. We then went to the main hide and saw Black Kite, Short-Toed Eagle, Whiskered Tern. Great White Egret. Black Stork, nesting Black Necked Grebe and nesting Black Headed Gulls. We decided this was a good start to the holiday.

Most mornings Nigel went out before breakfast, birding, but I decided to look around the town as there were some very interesting old buildings. After breakfast we four ladies went to buy the picnic lunch and Kathy made us some delicious salads etc. We then went to different areas of La Brenne looking for orchids, butterflies and birds, Some birds like the Nightingale, Golden Oriole and Cuckoo could be heard but never seen. Very frustrating. The orchids were amazing as were the butterflies. One day Tony told us where we could see Bee Eaters which was very exciting

One evening we went to the Cherine Nature Reserve to set the moth trap. I`d never done that before so found it very interesting. The next morning we returned to the Reserve and there were hundreds of moths, big and small. It took nearly 2 hours identifying them and there were some beautiful ones I think there were about 115 different ones

Another evening Tony took us out to look for Nightjars but we didn`t have much success – I`ve seen more on Tadnoll Heath!!

We were all very sorry when the holiday came to an end. We saw about 120 species of birds and I saw many new orchids and butterflies. I can recommend this holiday.

Details of Nigel`s website. ( email: [email protected] web site: http://www.eucan.org.uk )

Sue Hampson

NEWSLETTER DELIVERY

We have been looking closely at where the group spends its money, with a view to identifying areas in which we might be able to save a bob or two, and subsequently pass those savings on to the RSPB, in terms of larger contributions to delivering conservation, and our newsletter is one area where we might be able to do just that, but we need your help.

If you have an email address, we would like you to consider receiving future newsletters and updates electroncially, either as a simple email or as a document attached to an email. This has the potential to save us a considerable amount of money, but we do recognise that electronic communcations is not everybody’s cup of tea, and, sometimes, there can often be no substitue for the printed word.

If you have an email address, and would be happy to receive communcations from the group in that way (and we would use your email address for no other reason and neither would we share it with anyone) then please send an email, saying just that, to [email protected] and we will add you to our database.

If, on the other hand, you would prefer to continue to receive your newsletters and updates through the post then you need do nothing.

If you already receive your newsletter by email and would like this to continue then please also send an email, saying just that, to: [email protected]

Thank you, in advance, for your help with this

QUICK QUIZZ

1. Who wrote Gulliver's Travels? 2. Thriller writer Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The ...... " 3. What species of bird is Hedwig in the Harry Potter novels? 4. John Keats in 1819 wrote "Ode to a ...... " 5. Who sailed away in " a beautiful pea green boat"? 6. Which bird is associated with Leda? (W. B. Yeats, 1928) 7. Who killed cock Robin? 8. Who wrote "Beau Geste"? 9. A 1970 book beloved of the counter-culture of the day: "Johnathan Livingston ...... " 10 This 1984 book by Julian Barnes is entitled "Flaubert's ...... " 11. Which John Grisham novel was made into a movie in 1993? (Clue: lawyers.) 12. What species of bird was killed by the Ancient Mariner? 13. "To a ...... " is one of Percy Bysshe Shelley's most loved poems. 14. Which best seller by Arthur Ransome was set in the Lake District? 15. Which company published it's first book in London in 1935? 16. In 1697 Charles Perrault wrote for children: " Tales of Mother ...... " 17. Checkov wrote "The ...... " In 1896. 18. Which novel by Jack Higgins concerned the possible assassination of Winston Churchill? 19. Name the anti-racist novel by Harper Lee later made into a film starring Gregory Peck? 20. A powerful film starring Jack Nicholson, set in a Psychiatric Institution, was....

Answer on Back Cover

THE RSPB CELEBRATES CIRL BUNTING SUCCESS AT THEIR LABRADOR BAY NATURE RESERVE

The cirl bunting once faced extinction in the UK. However it is now making a comeback in its south Devon stronghold.

RSPB purchased Labrador Bay from Teignbridge District Council in November 2008, with £100,000 towards the purchase coming from Devon County Council as compensation for predicted impact to cirl bunting habitat arising from the construction of the South Devon Link Road.

The plan was to have a reserve that would provide a safe-haven for this colourful bunting, providing all the vital elements it needed to flourish - safe nesting habitat and plenty of food; seeds in the winter and insects in the summer.

Cath Jeffs, Cirl bunting Project Manager said; "At the time of purchase, we estimated that there were three pairs of cirl buntings on site. There are now 21 pairs breeding and over 50 birds winter on the site – we are well ahead of our projected target which is a fantastic achievement. The RSPB has done lots of habitat improvements including hedge restoration and grassland restoration and it seems that the cirl buntings approve. “

It was hoped that by providing a very productive cirl population on the reserve this would help fuel expansion to other areas.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said; “We wanted to ensure that the construction of the South Devon Link Road maintained a balance between the economy and the environment, and by helping the RSPB buy this wonderful reserve it will improve its value for wildlife and preserve it for future generations. This has provided a positive impact for the cirl bunting population as a whole, as well as other wildlife such as bats.”

RSPB were delighted to retain the farming tenant whose family have been farming here for generations. He also farms the land adjacent to the reserve with wildlife as a key consideration and the cirl bunting population off the reserve around the village of Stokeinteignhead is benefiting as a result.

A key component has been community involvement and the support of local volunteers.

Ms Jeffs added; "They are our ambassadors, putting in countless hours. They not only lead informative, enjoyable walks that are open to all but also keep an eye on the Dartmoor ponies and of course monitor the cirl buntings the stars of the show."

Labrador Bay nature reserve is acknowledged as one of the best sites to see cirl buntings in the UK and visitors are rarely disappointed. There will be guided walks at 9.30 am on Sun 26 Oct. See RSPB Website.

This beautiful coastal reserve has plenty of access and trails for all – strenuous walks for those wanting a challenge and gentle strolls for those wanting to admire the view.

Labrador Bay is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Teignmouth on the A379 coast road (not the B3199 as labelled on Google Maps) towards Torbay (between Shaldon and Maidencombe). Pay & Display carpark.

Lat/lng: 50.524945,-3.508745 Grid reference: SX931705

Teignmouth station is two miles (3.2 km) away

The 11 Teignmouth-Torquay services has a request stop at Deans Cross (grid ref: SX929700, the junction of Deane Lane and the A379 Teignmouth Road). Note: this stop is on the busy A379, 0.3 miles (0.5 km) south of the Teignmouth District Pay & Display car park at Labrador Bay.

OUTDOOR VISITS PROGRAMME 2014-2015

Field trips start at the advertised time and are all day unless otherwise stated. Please bring food and drink if you re- quire refreshment, and wear suitable clothing and footwear. Sorry, no dogs please. In the event of adverse weather conditions please check before setting out that the meeting is going ahead, to avoid unnecessary travel. We aim to advise cancellation on the web site http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southdorset

CONTACT for queries: Mary Robins 01305 871408

2014

Sunday 28 September Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester. For woodland and heathland birds, Meet at 10am in car park at SY725922, no facilities. Morning only. Leader Malcolm Dowty

Wednesday 8 October Radipole and Lodmoor. Meet at 10.00am at the Radipole Centre SY676797 for the morning (car parking charges apply), moving to Lodmoor in the afternoon. Leader Mary Robins

Tuesday 21 October Bowling Green. Meet at 10.00am at Darts Farm, near Topsham, by main entrance. SX976883 We will walk to Bowling Green along a new path. Toilets and shops at Darts Farm including RSPB shop. Leader Don Cotton

Wednesday 12 November. Otter Estuary and Seaton Marshes. Meet at 10.00am in Lime Kiln Car Park, Budleigh Salterton. SY073820, charges may apply. Depending on time we will move to Seaton for the afternoon. Leader: Don Cotton

Thursday 27 November Ferrybridge and Portland. Meet at 10.00am in the Ferrybridge Car Park (charges apply) SY668755 Toilets available at centre. Exact venue and duration will be decided on the day. Leader Mary Robins

Saturday 6 December Studland. Meetat 10am in Middle Beach Car Park, Studland (Charges apply). SZ033835 Leader Malcolm Dowty

2015

Saturday 17 January. New Year walk and Lunch at Kingcombe Centre near Toller Porcorum. Further details to be advised.

Sunday 25 January, Blashford Lakes. Meet at 10.00am in the Tern hide car park SU151084. Toilets available in Visitor Centre across the road. Donations to Hampshire Wildlife Trust are requested. Leader Rob Wilkinson

Sunday 8 February Somerset Levels. Meet at 10.00am in car park at Ashcott corner. ST450398. By this date the new car park with facilities will hopefully be completed. Leader Rob Wilkinson.

Tuesday 3 March Middlebere and Arne. Meet at 10.00am on roadside at end of track to NT cottages SY963854, moving later to Arne (toilets available at centre). Leader TBA

Sunday 29 March Holt Heath and Whitesheet Plantation. Meet at 10.00am in car park SU048036. No facilities here. Leader Malcolm Dowty

Wednesday 22 April. Cogden Beach for early migrants. Morning only. Meet at 10.00am at car park for Cogden SY502885. Charges for non-NT members. Leader Mary Robins

Tuesday 28 April Wareham forest. Meet at 10.00am at Sherford Bridge by side of road, SY919926 Leader TBA

Wednesday 13 May Yarner Wood, near Bovey Tracey, SX786789 Meet at 10.00am in reserve car park, toilets available. Leader Malcolm Dowty

Tuesday 26 May Martin Down. Meet at 10.00am in reserve car park SU037200 (no facilities) to look for spring migrants, flowers and butterflies. Leader Mary Robins

INDOOR MEETINGS PROGRAM FOR 2014/2015

INDOOR MEETINGS ARE HELD AT ST GEORGES HALL, FORDINGTON DT1 1LB Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.45 start. Admission Group members £3, Visitors £3.50 to include tea/coffee.

This new and varied programme offers a range of subjects both entertaining and out of the ordinary.

2014

18 September Tom Brereton, Head of Monitoring, Butterfly Conservation. Long Term changes in the Status of British Butterflies. In 2010 Tom gave us a well received talk on Cetacean and seabird migration, his other specialist area, this talk promises to be as interesting.

16 October Andy Swash, Professional Photographer Beautiful Birds, a Journey through the Rainbow. This stimulating talk invites us first to consider why we like birds and in particular their colourfulness. The second half takes us round the world in search of the rare and beautiful, highlighting the challenges in photographing them.

20 November Richard Collier, Group member, Photographer and Climber. An exceptional adventure from Buenos Aires with its huge nature reserve to the tip of South America. Along the way exploring the wonderful birds, taking in dramatic landscapes and fascinating areas of the Falklands, South Georgia, Deception Island and Elephant Island. Captured on film, the rare South Georgia Pipit, the most southern songbird in the world, a talk not to be missed.

18 December Anne Wheatcroft, South Africa, a group tour. Anne ventured into South Africa with a tour group making it possible to get close to many exotic birds in and around Zululand and the wonderful Kruger National Park. Along the way some elephants make a guest appearance. This promises to be an enthralling presentation.

2015

15 January Martin Cade, Portland Bird Observatory Manager. The unique and in some ways strange and compelling Island of Portland is where the Bird Observatory is based. Martin talks about the work and tells some humorous stories about life there.

19 February Brian Pettit, Professional photographer Zimbabwe, on the wildside, an experience of a lifetime. A fantastic array of images accumulated during many trips, including the bush and the shores of Lake Kariba. An exciting display of birds and other wildlife.

19 March Mike Langman, Artist and Photographer Make a Note of it. A refreshing, different experience. Mike reveals some techniques for identifying and illustrating birds. Bring a pencil and notepad, this is a fun, practical talk which invites us to think about how we look at and identify birds and how much we know of their plumage, lots to learn here.

16 April AGM followed by Toby Branston RSPB reserves in Dorset, where people and wildlife can mix. A roundup of the on-reserve and off-site work going on in Dorset. An inspiring talk including species news, infrastructure development and land acquisition. So much can be done to hold on to the valuable world of nature so close to us.

COMMITTEE

Membership Secretary and Treasurer John York, 28 Verlands Road, Preston, DT3 6BY Tel: 01305 832686

Press and Publicity Sue Hampson, 22 Vespasian Way, Dorchester,DT1 2RD Tel 01305 265882

Indoor Meetings Contact a committee member

Field Trip Contact Mary Robins, 8, New Road, Portesham, Weymouth, DT3 4HD Tel: 01305 871408

Phil Standfield, 16 Middlemarsh Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3GD

Events Co-ordinator Sue Gannaway, 51 Coburg Road, Dorchester, DT1 2HN Tel: 01305 263273

Newsletter Editor Jan Acres, 9 Woodville Court, Poundbury, DT1 3TJ Tel: 01305 257014

Public contact Nick Tomlinson, Tel: 01305 773502

Paula Warren, 10 Airfield Close, Crossways, Dorset, DT2 8TN

Newsletter compiler Chris Wyeth (not on committee)

SOUTH DORSET RSPB LOCAL GROUP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION /RENEWAL 1st SEPTEMBER 2014 TO 1st SEPTEMBER 2015

Membership of the group is open to all members of the RSPB (Please ensure that your RSPB membership is current)

To: The Membership Secretary, Mr J York, 28 Verlands Road, Preston, Dorset, DT3 6BY

Please:: Enrol me/us as a member Renew my/our membership

BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE

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I enclose my subscription as follows:

Adult subscription: £5.00 for first member, £3,00 for each additional member at the same address

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Please make cheques payable to: “ South Dorset RSPB Local Group” If you wish for a receipt please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

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We promise that your details will not be given to any third party.

THE COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY YOUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE GROUP.

ANSWERS TO QUIZZ

1. Johnathan Swift 2. The Raven 3. Snowy Owl 4. A Nightingale 5. The Owl and the Pussy Cat 6. The Swan 7. The Sparrow 8. P.C. Wren 9. Seagull 10. Parrot 11. The Pelican Brief 12. The Albatross 13. Skylark 14. Swallows and Amazons 15. Penguin 16. Goose 17. Seagull 18. The Eagle Has Landed 19. To Kill a Mockingbird 20. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest