newsletter NO 99 WINTER 2020 The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

Newsletter Editor: Linda Tagg 3, Carpenter Way, Potters Bar, EN6 5PZ Tel: 01707 656715 email: [email protected]

GROUP LEADER’S COMMENTS Ian Sharp

Welcome to the winter newsletter. Last April when writing for the June newsletter, I In said “hopefully when you get to read this we will have got over the worst of the this coronavirus pandemic”. However, as I write now, over six months later, the pandemic continues to play havoc with our lives. This has been a very difficult time for everyone, Issue we have all missed enjoying the company of friends.

Group Activities I am very sad to say that in June we lost Jacky Walker from our midst. Jacky has been a Local Bird Report………….……….6 stalwart of the Group; at meetings, trips and events, she and Gordon have been ever Potters Bar Radio Show………...... 8 present. She will be sorely missed and we give Gordon and her family our condolences. It was four years ago that I took over from her as Group Leader and she Contributions was a hard act to follow. Lesley has written about Jacky elsewhere in this Newsletter. A Local Nature Reserve in EN4…...2 Natural History Society Many will remember Stan Bailey, former Group Leader who did much to support the Virtual Talks……………………...2 Group for many years, and was honoured with Kazakhstan Adventure………….3 the title of Life President. This role has been A Local Nature Walk….………....5 vacant ever since he passed away. I am pleased Chilean Fjords & Antarctica…….9 to say that the Committee decided to make Tribute to Jacky Walker…….….10 Gordon Daniels Life President in honour of all Land of the Midnight Sun……..11 the work he has done supporting many events, and for raising thousands of pounds for RSPB Notices over the years from the sale of pin badges. In the Recycling at St John’s Church…..8 absence of Group meetings, we presented From the Editor…………….…….10 Gordon with his Life President’s certificate at an Data Protection ………..…………12 ad hoc outdoor committee meeting one warm, sunny Keeping in Touch………….……..12 day in August. We are privileged to have Local Group Website…………….12 Gordon Receiving his Life President Certificate Gordon as our Life President. Newsletter Copy Date………...…12 100 Club & Application Form…..12 One novel event has been the recent broadcast on Potters Bar Radio of a programme about our Group. There is a short article about this elsewhere in the Newsletter. Advertisements Lesley Causton, Joy & John Rowley and Jenny Arnold attended the Northaw Orchard Minuteman Press….………….…...5 Apple day in October. It was not an official RSPB activity, but they took the opportunity to raise much needed funds for RSPB. Group Website: We miss our Wednesday and Friday monthly meetings both for the social aspects and www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ the wonderful talks arranged by Hilary and Joy. We have started to arrange talks via pottersbarandbarnet or just search for Zoom and I would urge you to give them a go. There is a £3 charge per attendee to Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB cover the costs for the speaker and the Zoom licence. All Zoom presentations are being The Royal Society advertised on our website and in the e-News. Clearly this is no substitute for the real for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a thing and it inevitably excludes those members who do not use computers. registered charity: There is no immediate prospect of our RSPB meetings and events starting up again. England and Wales no. 207076, We can only hope that we will be able to reconvene before too long and that our trip to Scotland no. SC037654 Anglesey, postponed from May this year to May 2021 will go ahead. Any advertisements enclosed with this newsletter are not specifically Finally I wish you all an enjoyable Christmas and hope that you will keep good endorsed by the RSPB or the Potters health and are able to share it with friends and family. Stay safe. Bar & Barnet Local Group

A LOCAL NATURE RESERVE IN EN4 from Elaine Eyles

As a member of Residents’ Association (EBRA), I am is also automatically a 'Friend of '. Within the park is Oak Hill Wood Local Nature Reserve, managed by (LWT) for Barnet Council. These green spaces are much loved and have been enjoyed by many especially during this year of Covid-19. Our Winter Newsletter 2019 described the rewilding project to restore the stream tributary that runs through the wood into , removing the underground culverts and creating wetland and wildlife habitats. These are now becoming really established and the area is well worth a visit. Dragonflies were seen as recently as 11 October! View from Oak Hill Wood As a ‘Friend’ (and LWT member), I have been liaising between EBRA and LWT about the across to Oak Hill Park wood and have recently written anunofficial guide to the reserve which you can find on the EBRA website at http://eastbar.net/wood. The guide contains information about the origin of the landscape and the history of the area, how to access the woods (including a simple map), and what you might see and find. For directions to access the park and the wood, useful maps can also be found via http://discover-london.gigl.org.uk/ (zoom into the area), or at https://www.goparks.london/park/oak-hill-woods/. The LWT website at https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/oak-hill-wood also gives travel information. Within the nature reserve two walking routes are set out with numbered marker posts. The YELLOW route is a half mile of easy walking, while the longer GREEN route is approximately one mile. Note: Some marker posts are now missing and some are without coloured marker arrows! The stream in the wood can be crossed by one wide, wood-decked bridge with side rails, and by other crossing points made of railway sleepers (but no side rails), just wide enough for a child’s buggy. There are some steep slopes in places that can be muddy in or after wet weather. Stout shoes or welly boots really help. Also the wood and grassland slopes may have slippery places. Although there are some steps, several are now eroded in places. There are no seats in the reserve, but one can find a few places to rest—such as on a fallen tree. If you see any unusual wildlife (other than birds), LWT would like to hear from you. The reserve’s manager for LWT is Edwin Malins Email: [email protected] Bird sightings can be sent to Phil Brown as usual and he will compile a report for Edwin.

It is also possible to see the park and wood if you prefer to stay dry, warm, and avoid muddy boots, via a virtual experience on line: Alan Last (the driving force behind the excellent "Barnet - A Trip Down Memory Lane" Facebook group), has been shielding and taking exercise at daybreak, rain or shine. He has been photographing his walks, and putting them on Facebook for all to enjoy. The absence of other people makes them particularly special. Rob White (EBRA secretary) asked him if he would create a video of his photos of Oak Hill Park and Wood. The YouTube video is nearly 20 minutes, so sit back and enjoy! No commentary, just captions and soothing music. You can find this from a link on the EBRA website, or from this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiscbscjyjY

Members may also be interested in The London Natural History Society (LNHS) Virtual Talks LNHS is hosting fortnightly talks on Zoom which are free to all—members and non-members. Although booking is necessary for each talk, this is easily done via the links from the LNHS website http://www.lnhs.org.uk/ which take you to the Eventbrite booking service. You will then be sent instructions on how to join the talk. These talks cover a really wide range of subjects from birds to bats, worms to weeds, fungi to foxes and everything in between. Each presentation is 30–40minutes from a guest speaker, followed by a question and answer session. You can also watch previous talks in your own time on YouTube; again there are links to these on the society’s website. Elaine Eyles 2

ADVENTURE KAZAKHSTAN Edited from Fran & David Attrill’s original reports, published in the Newsletter in 2000

Twenty years ago in 2000, this daring expedition to Kazakhstan was undertaken by Driver Abdul with our bus some of the group, and it is certainly worth a second read! (Heineken!) Introduction from Fran Attrill It all began at a group meeting; listening to a talk given by Lithuanian ornithologist Algirdas Knystautas about the Celestial Mountains, set my thoughts racing. Afterwards, I offer to drive Algirdas back to Barnet and find myself discussing the feasibility of arranging a birding trip to that area of Kazakhstan. Would there be interest from the group? Certainly it would be a holiday with a difference, a challenge, especially as some mountain travel would need to be on horseback. Only later we discovered that there would be no saddles - just a blanket in their place! Interest was there, but a sense of caution overcomes the majority and we end up with a group of 12, including friends who have joined on earlier trips. I undertake the organisation and liaison, a major challenge in itself! The party will be based in Zhabagly Village in Kazakhstan. From Europe the nearest point we can fly to is Tashkent in Uzbekistan, then an onward journey by coach; visas are needed for both countries. Kazakhstan and Tien Shan Mountains from David Attrill A seven-hour plus flight to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airlines, followed by more than five hours in the bus to reach our base in Kazakhstan, made the first day a long one. Over an hour was spent crossing the military controlled border, signing forms in Russian stating we were not carrying arms, ammunitions, or drugs! Our base camp accommodation was good, a small bed and breakfast/evening meal style complex with a central dining room, in a fairly remote village nestling in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. Indeed, the distant mountains looked very grand. After a walk through the village, we turned in for an early night. A short drive by our bus to a small grove in the foothills to begin our first day on horseback, the first day of several. We were about to enter the wild Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve and travel by horse was vital. Whilst collecting our horses we found a flock of grey-headed goldfinches. Most of us had never ridden before and after five or six hours we realised that it definitely employed muscles we didn’t normally On Horseback in Aksu-Zhabagly use! Reserve The first day’s ride uphill produced a wonderful collection of raptors: five golden eagles, Barbary and saker falcons, hobby and over 25 kestrel. As we travelled, the horses disturbed great numbers of chukar and grey partridge, whilst woodpigeon, doves, including collared and rufous turtle doves, were all about. Golden oriole, roller, bee-eater, hoopoe, swift and swallow were seen in numbers. Shrikes were evident throughout our whole trip and we regularly saw long-tailed, lesser grey and Isabelline shrike. (Later on when we returned to the plains we found five steppe grey shrike). Spotted flycatchers were just too numerous to count.

We finally made it to our mountain lodge at about 8000ft which was to be home for five Our Mountain Shower Cubicle nights. Quite basic with no running water or electricity; we washed in a stream and used an outdoor shower and loo. The married couples shared a wooden shack while the remainder were housed in yurts—circular igloo shaped constructions, latticed inside with a felt covering and a small opening to the stars. In effect a 310,000 star hotel, although nobody cared much at the end of a long day! For the next five days we explored the area, one day on foot and the remainder on horseback, returning each night to our camp. The Tien Shan houses the Celestial Mountains, a magnificent formation of sheer white marble. On some days we climbed to 10,000ft or more. Some parts were very steep, so that on the downward return the horses were taken down by the local horsemen, while we walked and re-joined them at a safe level. Continued over

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The scenery was stunning with deep rifts, gorges and canyons. At the higher levels, the number of birds reduced but the variety and quality continued. We regularly saw golden eagle, black and Egyptian vultures, Montague harrier, Alpine and red-billed chough. A real highlight was when a bearded vulture came down to within 150/200ft above our heads to inspect us on horseback. A Eurasian nightjar haunted our camp and smaller birds including skylark, tree pipit, common myna, brown and Eurasian dippers, and Blyth's reed warbler were Meanwhile Back at the Yurt literally everywhere. Whitethroat, and many other warblers including Hume's lesser, orphean, greenish, and Hume's yellow-browed. Rock and red-headed buntings with common and red-mantled rosefinch were also seen. Much to everyone's satisfaction, this part of the trip also produced the two birds that all wanted to see, and some managed to, namely Himalayan snowcock and rufous-naped tit. Although we were some way from our original base camp in the village, fresh food and bread were sent up every other day. The meals were wholesome and good, including our daily picnic. Local produce, salads, meat, fish and pasta, with local wine, fruit juice (compote), beer and vodka kept us going. After five days we returned to the foothills and for the rest of the time our bus, (fondly named Heineken because it reached parts that nothing else could), delivered us to various locations on the plains, to desert, lakes, hills and canyons. One particular lake, only visited once before by westerners, and hours journey on the bus, rewarded us with a fly-past and landing of 14 demoiselle cranes. The lakes and countryside produced a fine The Group Takes a Break on the Slopes selection of birds: black stork, grebes including black-necked in breeding plumage, purple and grey heron, most of our western duck, little bittern, pallid, marsh and Montague harriers, long-legged and short-toed eagles, griffin and black vultures. At one stage some 300 Caspian plover, as well as curlew sandpiper, little and Temminck's stint, and most of our common waders. Terek sandpiper, and more warblers such as reed, clamorous reed, and paddy field warblers. A good selection of terns and gulls in numbers. We spent some time travelling the famous Silk Road and were rewarded with black-bellied sandgrouse and a great bustard. Our driver Abdul had a good eye and was always prepared to stop especially for raptors. Our trip to the Kyzyl desert (scrub) proved largely unsuccessful because of a sandstorm but the countryside always produced something. Cuckoos were fairly common and we saw numerous wagtails including a ‘first’ for a masked wagtail. The Asian paradise flycatcher was a splendid bird as were shikra, Siberian stonechat, pied and Isabelline wheatear, rufous bushchat, black redstart, nightingale, blue whistling thrush and great (Eastern) rock nuthatch. Perhaps for many a 20–30 minutes viewing of a wallcreeper was the highlight of the trip. First seen climbing the rock face feeding, it then rested and preened itself, superb views! The Baillon's crake in a small pond also caused excitement. Total bird species recorded was over 180 whilst wildlife included ibex, red Wallcreeper Mark Sisson, RSPB Images marmot, dormouse, Halys pit viper, long-eared and pipistrelle bats, muskrat, step runner and Agami lizard and marsh frog. Signs of wild boar were regularly seen but not the animal. Was it all worth it? Most certainly, but very different!

Editor’s Note: Sadly, whilst conducting background reading to support this article I discovered from the Internet that Algirdas Knystautas, died a few weeks ago at the end of October 2020. He was a well-known and very well-respected ornithologist and naturalist especially in his home country of Lithuania and in Russia, and has published several books about the birds and natural history of Russia.

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A LOCAL NATURE WALK the left where there were more anglers. A small bird in a from Derek Baker bush caught our eye, a dunnock. In the water we noted In mid-September Pam Moore and I spent a gulls, cormorants and great crested grebes. pleasant morning walking in . As we walked, birdsong accompanied us, robins, tits and First to the Paddock on the north side, adjacent to the Ferry wrens. Onto the little inlet at the end where I had seen Boat Inn. This had been blocked by adjacent building kingfishers before; no luck today. We headed to the exit by works, but was now open again. A gate to part of the Lee Coppermill Tower to explore outside the reserve, when Navigation was open, so we went through and discovered a another flock (or the same one?) of long-tailed tits, sailed in wild area. The river a short way off, an angler fishing, and to a nearby tree. We watched as they moved from tree to vegetation all around. Ideal for wild life. tree until they were gone. Again, some great tits with them. Almost immediately the trees above were alive with birds, On the opposite bank of the river, a pair of pied wagtails a whole flock of long-tailed tits, possibly up to 20, a few danced along the shore. great tits amongst them. Quite a thrill. No sooner had I After a short exploration outside the reserve, we returned mentioned that at least on four occasions I had seen and wandered back alongside the . A heron on goldcrests following long tailed tits when, as if by magic, a one of the islands, tufted ducks on the water. A lone pair arrived above our heads. We had good views of them starling flew into a nearby bush. and it was Pam who saw the crest first—the bird almost Over the water a small bird, close to the water...great speed, always seems to hide that from you. Pam also spotted a almost black! What's that I called? Pam also got her willow warbler. binoculars onto it. The bird swung out further, then looped We walked round the rest of the Paddock, but the water back towards the shore ahead of us, and as it flew round, areas were overgrown, and all we heard was a persistent the angle of the light changed and it turned Cetti's warbler. into iridescent blue...a kingfisher! Into the main reserve and along the central path, then off to Great way to end our walk.

In recognition of Minuteman Press who support our group, producing our printed newsletter free of charge

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LOCAL BIRD REPORT from Philip Brown

As you can see from the map our local area is divided into 4 sections. Each area has a corresponding column on the table which lists the species observed. The areas are split east to west by the M25 motorway, north to south by the A1 (M), and bordered to the south by the A406 and to the west by the M1 motorway. The border to the north is OS TL15 and to the west is OS TL40.

Key AM Amwell HPR Hillfield Park Reservoir HW Heartwood Forest KGV King George V Reservoir RM Rye Meads TH Tyttenhanger TP Trent Park

The species listed do not include many of the more common birds as it is a selected list, and the lack of a cross in the column may just be that the area or bird has been under recorded, particularly this summer. This is particularly true of zone B. This report covers the period from 1 April to 30 September 2020.

There were a number of unusual birds of prey sighted. A red-footed falcon was seen at Panshanger Park and over Welwyn GC on 25 June. A hen harrier was at Heartwood Forest on 11 September. Ospreys were seen over Elstree on 25 August and St Albans two days later, with further sightings from Panshanger Park to Holyfield Lake in the from 4–10 September. Marsh harriers were reported from Tyttenhanger, Redbournbury, Stanstead Abbots, Seventy Acres Lake, and Wormley. Turtle doves were at Willows Farm on 28 May and Ellenbrook Fields on 14 June. Great white egrets were at Amwell on 13 July and at Tyttenhanger from20 –30 September, where watchers also saw 2 cranes fly over on 27 September. King George V Reservoir hosted Sandwich, Arctic, little and black terns during the early part of the autumn migration. Wader sightings included a flock of 350 golden plovers at Shafford Farm on 4 April, whimbrels at Marsh on 19 April and at Amwell on 29 April, 12 bar-tailed godwits at King George V Reservoir on 30 April, a spotted redshank at Tyttenhanger on 13 June, a Temminck’s stint at Amwell from 10–18 August and a wood sandpiper at Rye Meads from 19–26 August. Curlews were seen at Heartwood Forest, Rabley Park () Panshanger Park and Sewardstone Marsh. The first reported cuckoos were in the Amwell area on 12 April, with numerous further ones recorded, including at Essendon, Barnet and . Locally, a rose-coloured starling was at Hilly Fields in Enfield. Trent Park sightings have included hobby, common sandpiper, kingfishers, skylarks, stonechats, spotted flycatchers and a redstart. Totteridge has had little and tawny owls, yellow wagtails, tree pipits, wheatears, spotted and pied flycatchers and a firecrest. My thanks go to everyone who has contributed reports for this item. Please keep sending your reports to Philip Brown, Tel: 020 8441 3830; email: [email protected]

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SPECIES AREA NOTES SPECIES AREA NOTES A B C D A B C D LITTLE GREBE X X X LITTLE TERN X 2 at King George V Reservoir 28 Jul BLACK-NECKED GREBE X Hilfield Park Reservoir BLACK TERN X King George V Reservoir, 2 on 1 Sep BITTERN X Amwell, occasional from 17 Jul STOCK DOVE X X X X GANNET X Juvenile flew over Wormley 27 Sep TURTLE DOVE X Willows Farm 28 May, Ellenbrook Fields 14 Jun GREAT WHITE EGRET X X Tyttenhanger 20 Sep onwards, Amwell 13 Jul RING-NECKED PARAKEET X X X X LITTLE EGRET X X X CUCKOO X X X Ellenbrook Fields, Essendon, Amwell, Totteridge CATTLE EGRET X X Hall Marsh 6 Apr, Redbournbury 16-17 Aug BARN OWL X X Heartwood Forest, Shafford Farm, 2 at King's Meads COMMON CRANE X Tyttenhanger 27 Sep LITTLE OWL X X X Heartwood Forest, Willows Farm, Panshanger Pk, Totteridge PINK-FOOTED GOOSE X X 30 over 27 Sep, 120 over Harpenden 29 Aug TAWNY OWL X X Oakwood Park, Totteridge, East Barnet BARNACLE GOOSE X Sewardstone Marsh 2 May SHORT-EARED OWL X over St Albans 29 Sep EGYPTIAN GOOSE X X X X SWIFT X X X X First 18 April Harpenden; Last 6 Sept Panshanger Park SHELDUCK X X Amwell, Stanstead Abbots, Sewardstone Marsh KINGFISHER X X X Tyttenhanger, Hertford, Trent Park, Arnos Park MANDARIN DUCK X X X Locally Trent Park, Common, Totteridge LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER X X X 2 at Trent Park on 9 Jun, Tyttenhanger 29 Sep, Broxbourne WOOD DUCK X Park 9 May WOODLARK X North Mymms Park 28 Sep WIGEON X X SKYLARK X X X Tyttenhanger, Gunpowder Park, Trent Park, Totteridge GADWALL X X X SAND MARTIN X X X X Sightings throughout period TEAL X X X SWALLOW X X X X First 1 Apr Tyttenhanger GARGANEY X X Tyttenhanger, King's Meads, Amwell, Rye Meads HOUSE MARTIN X X X X First 6 Apr over St Albans PINTAIL X X Rye Meads 14 Sep, King George V Res 22 Sep TREE PIPIT X 2 at Totteridge on 3 Sep, Enfield SHOVELER X X X MEADOW PIPIT X X X Heartwood Forest, Panshanger Park, Totteridge POCHARD X X X ROCK PIPIT X Tyttenhanger 26 Sep RED-CRESTED POCHARD X Stanstead Abbots lakes, Amwell YELLOW WAGTAIL X X X Shafford Farm, Tyttenhanger, Amwell, SCOTER X King George V Reservoir 11 May GREY WAGTAIL X X X Tyttenhanger, Hertford, Oak Hill Park, King George V SMEW X Friday Lake 15 May, 70 Acres Lake 16 Aug WHITE WAGTAIL X King George V Reservoir 31 Aug OSPREY X X X Elstree 25 Aug, Panshanger Park, Amwell, Holyfield Lake NIGHTINGALE X 2 at Fisher's Green 19 May COMMON BUZZARD X X X X BLACK REDSTART X Sewardstone Marsh 18 Apr HEN HARRIER X Heartwood Forest 11 Sep REDSTART X X X Redbournbury, Panshanger Park, Amwell, Trent Park MARSH HARRIER X X Tyttenhanger, Redbournbury, Stanstead Abbots, Wormle WHINCHAT X X X Shafford Farm, Tyttenhanger, Rye Meads, Totteridge RED KITE X X X X including Trent Park, East Barnet and Totteridge STONECHAT X X X Heartwood Forest, Amwell, Trent Park, Totteridge BLACK KITE X Over East Barnet 8 May WHEATEAR X X X X Tyttenhanger, Bricket Wood, Totteridge GOSHAWK X over Meadway, Barnet 24 Apr FIELDFARE X X Last 23 Apr - Bricket Wood; First 27 Sep Wormley SPARROWHAWK X X X REDWING X X X X Last 15 Apr Potters Bar; First 23 Sep Tyttenhanger KESTREL X X X X CETTI'S WARBLER X X X RED-FOOTED FALCON X X Panshanger & Welwyn GC 25 June GRASSHOPPER WARBLER X X X Hatfield Aerodrome, King's Meads, Totteridge HOBBY X X X X MARSH WARBLER X King's Meads 6 Jun PEREGRINE X X X X particularly Welwyn GC and Tyttenhanger REED WARBLER X X X X WATER RAIL X X Tyttenhanger, Shafford Farm, Amwell SEDGE WARBLER X X X GREY PARTRIDGE X 2 at Redbournbury 3 May, 8 at Heartwood Forest 21 Jul DARTFORD WARBLER X North Mymms Park 28 Sep OYSTERCATCHER X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Stanstead Abbots Lakes LESSER WHITETHROAT X X Redbournbury, Tyttenhanger, Trent Park, Totteridge LITTLE RINGED PLOVER X X X Coopers Green, Amwell, Rye Meads, King George V WHITETHROAT X X X X RINGED PLOVER X X Amwell, King George V GARDEN WARBLER X X X GOLDEN PLOVER X 350 over Shafford Farm 4 Apr, 6 over St Albans 24 Sep BLACKCAP X X X X LAPWING X X X CHIFFCHAFF X X X X RUFF X Amwell 3 Aug WILLOW WARBLER X X X X DUNLIN X X Amwell 20 July, King George V Res SPOTTED FLYCATCHER X X X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Barnet, Totteridge, Trent Park TEMMINCK'S STINT X Amwell 10-18 Aug PIED FLYCATCHER X Totteridge 5-24 Aug SNIPE X X Shafford Farm, Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Rye Meads GOLDCREST X X X BLACK-TAILED GODWIT X X X Tyttenhanger, over Elstree, Amwell, King's Meads FIRECREST X X Panshanger Park, Trent Park, Totteridge BAR-TAILED GODWIT X 12 at King George V Res 30 Apr MARSH TIT X Wormley West End 14 April, Amwell 11 & 29 Aug WHIMBREL X X X over St Albans, Amwell, Sewardstone Marsh NUTHATCH X X X X CURLEW X X X X Heartwood Forest, Panshanger Park, Sewardstone Marsh TREECREEPER X X SPOTTED REDSHANK X Tyttenhanger 13 June RAVEN X X X X Tyttenhanger, Panshanger Park, Amwell, Totteridge REDSHANK X X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, over Totteridge ROSE-COLOURED STARLING X Hillyfields (Enfield) 11 Sept GREENSHANK X X X Tyttenhanger, Amwell, Sewardstone Marsh TREE SPARROW X Tyttenhanger (maximum of 10 seen) GREEN SANDPIPER X X Tyttenhanger, Panshanger Park, Rye Meads, Hall Marsh BRAMBLING X Shafford Farm 1&2 April WOOD SANDPIPER X X Rye Meads 19-26 Aug, Tyttenhanger 23 Aug SISKIN X X X Tyttenhanger, Wormley West End, Totteridge COMMON SANDPIPER X X X Tyttenhanger, Rye Meads, Amwell, Trent Park LINNET X X X Ellenbrook Fields, Panshanger Park, , Totteridge MEDITERRANEAN GULL X X Panshanger Park (60 on 23 Apr) Amwell, Trent Park LESSER REDPOLL X X X Tyttenhanger, Shafford Farm, Panshanger Park, Totteridge YELLOW-LEGGED GULL X Amwell 15 Jul & 17 Aug CROSSBILL X X X X 35 at Balls Pond Wd 22 June, 18 at Broxbourne Wds 24 June CASPIAN GULL X Amwell 17 Aug BULLFINCH X X KITTIWAKE X 70 Acres Lake 16 Aug YELLOWHAMMER X X X Heartwood Forest, Ellenbrook Fields, Essendon, Totteridge SANDWICH TERN X 2 at King George V Reservoir on 5 Sep REED BUNTING X X X King's Meads, Fir&Pond Woods, Gunpowder Park COMMON TERN X X X X CORN BUNTING X Redbournbury 3 July & 13 Sept ARCTIC TERN X King George V Reservoir 28 Jul & 18 Aug

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Potters Bar Radio Show with PBB Local Group Ian Sharp

Potters Bar Radio (PBRadio.co.uk) was set up in April at the start of lockdown to help combat loneliness and social isolation during lockdown and beyond, bringing everyone together through music and conversation. Mary Holt produces and presents a show called ‘Sounds from our Community’ which is broadcast each fortnight at 4pm on Thursdays and 11am on Saturdays. Mary approached us, asking if our Group would like to take part in the show. We readily agreed and sent out a message in the e- News, asking if members would like to participate. We had 19 volunteers, twelve of whom submitted a voice recording and seven provided written messages. Each was asked to say: a) Why they like being part of the Group b) Their favourite bird and why c) A dedication for their music choice d) Their song/music choice and the artist I met with Mary prior to the broadcast when she interviewed me about the RSPB and the Group, birds and nature, recording the discussion on her mobile phone. She had provided her questions beforehand, so I had time to prepare my responses. Mary then went home to put the whole show together for broadcasting the following week. No small task. The process of asking for members to participate, contacting and discussing the show with those who agreed to do so, and following up with members afterwards achieved Potters Bar Radio’s aim of “bringing everyone together through music and conversation”. We advertised details of when the show would be broadcast and how to access it online to all recipients of the e-News, so hopefully many members were able to listen to the show and enjoy it. It would be nice to think that some RSPB members and also some non-members listened in and were persuaded to attend our local group meetings, trips and other events in the future, once everything returns to normal. After the broadcast, I received many messages from members and some non-members saying how much they enjoyed it. To quote one non-member who doesn’t even live locally, “Just spent a delightful couple of hours listening to your PB Radio broadcast. Wonderful variety of views and music. Promise never to mention the word ‘twitcher’ again!”. The whole process was very enjoyable and Mary made it very easy for us. It brought us together at a time when Covid-19 was trying to keep us apart, reminding us what we love about being members of the Group and hopefully inspiring others. Mary is always looking for community groups to create similar shows with, so if you are a member of any other community group(s), Mary would love to hear from you ([email protected]).

RECYCLING at St. John’s United Reformed Church in . Our recycling items (printer cartridges, foreign and UK stamps, and plastic milk and fruit juice carton tops), continue to be welcome. These items are small so, until you can get to the reception points in the church building, or re- commence RSPB meetings in our halls, we ask you to accumulate them at home. All printer cartridges are recycled, with all proceeds going to the RSPB. Foreign and UK stamps are forwarded to The Leprosy Mission. We were also collecting unwanted spectacles for the charity Vision Aid Overseas in 1995, and in the 25 years since then, we have sent no less than 4,894 pairs of spectacles to them for reuse. This service has now ceased and we are unable to accept any more spectacles at St. John’s. Thank you for your help. Malcolm Bond and Hugh Martin St John’s URC New Barnet

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A TRIP TO THE CHILEAN FJORDS AND ANTARCTICA October 2019 From Ian Sharp The MV Fram in Antarctica

At the end of October last year, Hilary and I went on an amazing trip down the coast of Chile, through the Chilean Fjords to Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. We first flew to Santiago the capital of Chile, and then picked up our ship, the MV Fram, at Valparaiso. The Fram is described as an expedition ship, the original vessel with this name being the wooden ship famously used by Fridtjof Nansen for his Arctic expeditions and subsequently by Roald Amundsen for his expedition to the South Pole. Our ship sailed south, far down the coast of Chile, the first port of call being Castro on Chiloé Island. Houses on stilts line the sea shore. Very picturesque. From Castro we were taken by coach to visit Chiloé National Park, where we trekked through its Valdivian temperate rain forest. The important word here is ‘rain’. This area typically experiences over 120 inches of rainfall annually, that’s three times as much as Manchester. It rains most days of the year and the day we were there was no exception. The area was amazing with lots of birdsong as we walked through the rain forest. However, very few birds were actually seen through the mist. From Castro, we continued our southward passage through the Chilean Fjords to Puerto Eden and then onto Puerto Natales. The scenery in the fjords was dramatic and often moody. As we worked our way further south the birdlife seen from the boat became more abundant, including Stilt Houses along the Castro Shoreline Arctic skua, Arctic and giant petrel and of course albatross, mostly black-browed, although wandering and royal albatross were seen early during the voyage. By now the mountains that we sailed passed were becoming snow-capped, hinting of things to come. The village of Puerto Eden, only accessible by boat, has a total population of 250 people, about 20 of whom are remaining pure-blooded members of the nomadic Kawesqar tribe, most of them elderly. We were shown round the village on recently installed wooden walkways. Previously we would have had to make our way along muddy footpaths. Our bird knowledge was soon challenged. Lesser black-backed gulls turned out to be kelp gulls and black-headed gulls were Andrean gulls. The prettiest bird we spotted in the village was a grey-headed Grey-headed Sierra Finch, Puerto Eden sierra finch. Our next stop was Puerto Natales which was quite a contrast. It is the gateway to Patagonia and a thriving town. Whilst there, we visited the Torres del Paine National Park. There we saw upland geese, our first condor flying high above us and by contrast a long- tailed meadow lark which was much more colourful than its name suggests. We continued sailing south and were lucky in that the weather was kind enough to allow us to land at Cape Horn. From there we set across Drake Passage to Antarctica. This adventure seemed as though it would never end. Our arrival in Antarctica coincided with the start of the summer and so icebergs and pack ice were still abundant. Our next stop was the South Shetland Islands where we saw out first penguin colonies, mostly chinstraps. Long-tailed Meadow Lark, Torres del Paine It was snowing and there was a strong, icy wind giving us an initial taste of real Antarctic weather, though this was nothing compared to the conditions there in winter away from the moderating effect of the ocean. We continued down to the Antarctic Peninsula where we made several landings, seeing plenty more penguin colonies, mostly gentoo. continued over

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We were too early to see the penguin chicks but were compensated by seeing Antarctica in pristine conditions before the warmer weather and the footfall of subsequent visitors would start to make its mark. We had plenty of wonderful close-up encounters which made photography very easy, even using mobile phones. From the ship we saw a pod of orca hunting along the pack ice and numerous rafts of penguins swimming through the water. We returned through Drake Passage to Ushuaia where we had a short trip into Tierra del Fuego. An amazing end to an amazing trip. In this short article, it has not been possible to do this trip justice. To describe all the places we visited and the wildlife we saw would take up the entire newsletter several times over! However, I hope it gives a flavour of our trip, undertaken when we had Gentoo Penguins, Antarctica no thought of Covid-19 or lockdowns.

JACKY WALKER 1947 to 2020

We were very sad to learn of the passing of Jacky in the summer. She had fought a long and brave battle with cancer. Jacky was born in Germany where her father was a serving officer in the British Army. They returned to England and Jacky trained as a secretary (which stood her in good stead over many years). She married and eventually went to live in a cottage in Ridge with her two children. She set up a business selling plants from her home. She was always so smartly dressed that I can’t imagine her getting covered in compost and plant material. Jacky was always an enthusiastic member of the WI, and worked hard for the local WI and helped to organise and run the Ridge summer fete for many years. She had already become involved with the RSPB local group and it was through her that our group ran a stall at the Ridge Fete. I have a picture in my mind’s eye of Jacky pouring tea and serving cake and sandwiches. Anything Jacky turned her hand to she did with great enthusiasm and efficiency and she (and Gordon) were a great support to Stan Bailey when he was Group Leader. I always think of her as the power behind the throne. Jacky always seemed to be in the midst of RSPB activities and very often the first to volunteer. Outdoor events were a speciality, Jacky being a prominent part of the team. As many of you know Jacky rose to the heights of Chairman of the Federation of the WI. After many years of hard work, a much deserved recognition. The RSPB Group and the WI will miss her and we offer our condolences to Gordon and her wider family. Lesley Causton

From the Editor This newsletter has had to be rather different due to the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps for the first time we have had no group outings or holidays to relate. However, thanks to your support we have not been defeated and I hope you are enjoying reading accounts of the interesting journeys undertaken in earlier years by some of our members, in search of new horizons and wildlife. They take us as far north as the Arctic Circle, as far south as Antarctica, and a long way east to the mountains of Central Asia. In other articles we are reminded of the wild places and wonderful variety of birds and nature we have locally. I would like to thank everyone who have sent in contributions for this issue. Linda Tagg

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LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

From Sally and Bruce Bennett

In June 2016 Bruce and I had a wonderful holiday in Norway, based around the Hurtigruten experience. We flew out to Bergen and spent a couple of days in this delightful port exploring the harbour and market areas, and taking a trip up the mountain by cable car, before joining the Hurtigruten ship, MS Finnmarken. The Hurtigruten fleet consists of working vessels that ply the Norwegian coast from Bergen in the South right up to Kirkenes in the Arctic Circle, calling in at the many ports along the coast, on-and off-loading cargo, mail and foot Breakfast in Bergen passengers. Over the years, they have also developed excellent facilities to accommodate holidaymakers wanting to cruise through the beautiful fjords. We had been recommended to book a ‘mini suite’ which we found very comfortable, and enjoyed the meals in the restaurant which had good and varied menus. At a number of the stops, we went ashore on our own (making sure to be back on board in good time!), but also pre-booked several of the excursions on offer. Some of these were trips to local places of interest, whilst another option was a longer tour re-joining the boat further up the coast. One trip took us in a canoe up a river to the Russian border; another involved transferring to a very bouncy Sea Eagle with Fish small fishing boat to get a closer look at the sea eagles! There was also a magical evening at a midnight concert, on midsummer’s night, in the spectacular modern cathedral on a hilltop, just outside Tromso. On reaching the Arctic Circle, we spent a day at Nordkapp, a slightly contrived tourist attraction where we did see some good alpine flora on the tundra. The ship continued east round to Kirkenes before turning to repeat the journey back south. We stayed on board as far as Trondheim, then

disembarked and took the scenic train journey Stained Glass Window Tromso through the mountains to Oslo, to spend a few Arctic Cathedral days doing our own thing before flying back to London. We thought we were being quite brave using the public bus service to get around! Two of the highlights were a wonderful day at the Oslo Botanic Garden and a memorable excursion to the famous Oslo Ship Museum, not to be missed.

In Oslo Botanic Gardens

FOOTNOTE: Many decades ago Bruce and an old school friend had a camping holiday in Norway using the friend's elderly Mini. They took the long car ferry from Newcastle to Oslo and spent three weeks driving around, using dirt tracks, camping in farmers' fields, and hiking up mountains. WOW!

Cover (the outdoor Store) For many years this page traditionally carried an advert for Cover, the outdoor clothing and equipment store in Barnet. It was a local and reliable source of good quality items at reasonable prices, popular with many members. Unfortunately, the shop has not re-opened since the spring lockdown, and we understand that it has now closed, permanently. Editor 11

OUR LOCAL GROUP WEBSITE NEWSLETTER COPY DATE www.rspb.org.uk/groups/pottersbarandbarnet or search for Many thanks to all our contributors for their much Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB. valued input to this newsletter. I will be delighted to You will find lots of information about the Group’s activities receive your articles, notices, news items, including our outings booking form and meetings programme, photographs, correspondence. including Zoom meetings. [email protected] This newsletter can also be viewed there with the added bonus that Closing date for copy for our next edition will be all the photographs are in colour. Friday 9 April 2021

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND KEEPING IN TOUCH At present we are not able to indicate when our indoor monthly meetings and coach outings will recommence. Regular talks are now being given on Zoom, and these are being advertised on our website and in the monthly e-News. They are normally illustrated talks on Friday evenings 7.30 for 8pm start. Forthcoming events are: Fri 11 Dec 2020 Moths and Butterflies of RSPB Reserves Speaker Nick Bowles Fri 15 Jan 2021 Ancient Trees and Woodlands of Britain Speaker Andy Sands Fri 19 Feb 20121 Birds without Borders Speaker Peter Holden There are also opportunities to join Zoom meetings arranged by the SE Herts Local Group If you would like to receive the monthly update by email, or your newsletter and programmes by email, please email to [email protected] with your request, name and postcode. (You can unsubscribe at any time). . John Rowley Website Editor

100 Club Thanks to all members for their support and especially to those who have taken extra numbers over the past months. There were 97 numbers in the October draw - we're almost there! The 100 Club is raising around £800 a year and this all goes straight to RSPB. It is an easy, low-cost way of fund-raising. For anyone who doesn’t know, the 100 Club works by members subscribing to one or more of 100 numbers. A subscription costs £12 per number per year. There is a monthly draw with prizes of £25 and £10 and an extra prize of £50 in June and December. The remaining funds are donated to RSPB. If you are interested in joining there is an application form below and we are usually at the Friday meeting. If you already have a number, why not subscribe to a second?

Thanks and good luck to those who already support the 100 Club. Chris & Ron Youthed

Potters Bar & Barnet RSPB Local Group 100 CLUB

I wish to subscribe to ____ numbers in the 100 Club. I enclose a cheque for £______.made payable to Potters Bar & Barnet RSPB 100 Club. Name:______

Address:______

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Phone: ______Email:______

Please return to: Chris and Ron Youthed, 29 Allandale Crescent, Potters Bar, EN6 2JZ Phone: 01707 656796 email: [email protected]

DATA PROTECTION This newsletter is distributed by Potters Bar and Barnets Local Group. If you would like to update how you hear from us or should you no longer wish to receive this or other communications, please contact the editor. 12