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RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
AUTUMN 2012
Leeds Local Group
Price £2.50
(Free to members of the RSPB Leeds Local Group)
Nature’s Voice
Autumn 2012
2
Your RSPB Local Group W hy not bring your friends and family to an RSPB Leeds Local Group indoor meeting or coach outing. To help
keep costs down and make birdwatching affordable for all the family, children travel at half price on all our
coach trips. Our indoor meetings cover a wide range of topics to suit those either interested in exotic locations or more
local places to visit. Programme details for 2012/13 can be found on the back pages.
Cut out one of our entry vouchers below and bring someone to their first indoor meeting for free.
Alternatively, why not introduce a friend? Give the form below to someone you know who enjoys birds and wildlife.
Our annual membership fee is affordable and you do not have to be a member of the National RSPB to join us.
Anyone who completes a membership form receives a £10 voucher to go towards their first coach trip. Membership
benefits also include:-
Two newsletters each year with advance notice of all our events
Discounted entry to our excellent illustrated talks
Free local guided walks
A wide range of RSPB sales goods - postage free
IS YOUR STANDING ORDER IN ORDER? If not please complete the appropriate bits of the form below and
send it to Stephanie.
I/We wish to join the RSPB Leeds Local Group
Name: ………………………………………………….
Address……………………………………………….…
……………………………………...……….….
Telephone:………………………………………..…….
Amount enclosed: £6.00 (individual) / £9.00 (Family)
We prefer payment by Standing Order if possible. Please
complete the details below and send to the address given -
not to your bank.
To: (Name and full postal address of your Bank)
………………………………………………….Bank PLC
………………………………………………….
………………………………………………….
Please pay the sum of £ ______(£6.00 individuals, £9.00
families) on the 10th August 2013 and thereafter, on the
10th August annually to:
Bank: HSBC - City Branch, Leeds
Code: 40-27-15
For credit of: RSPB Leeds Local Group
Account No: 21449362
And debit my Account No: …………………………...
Signed:
Name of Account: …………………………………….
Important: Please return to Stephanie Bigglestone
28 The View
Leeds LS8 1HQ
Alternatively you can pay by Cheque or P.O. made payable
to RSPB Leeds Local Group
Data Protection Act 1998: The RSPB Leeds Local Group
would like to keep your details to send you further
information about group activities and the work of the
RSPB. If you want to amend or update your details or you
do not want us to use them in the way stated, please contact
us at the above address.
The RSPB is a registered charity, No. 207076
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ENTRY
Valid until end April 2013 - worth £4.00
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LEEDS LOCAL GROUP
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
3
NEWSLETTER - AUTUMN 2012
LEEDS LOCAL GROUP
August 2012
Hello again to all our members,
Welcome to our autumn Newsletter, It's that time of year again to plan your new season of birding
and to plan your trips on our monthly birding bus.
First a few important administrative items. See the important message from our Treasurer
regarding standing order payments on page 10. Some of us are not paying the correct subscription!
Also, and very importantly, we will have a new pick-up point for our bus outings. As the coach
company is now based in Selby and not Horsforth, the pick-up point will be Roundhay park car park
not Horsforth. See Pauline's trip report on page 8 for the details.
I am sure that you all did David's bird quiz in the spring Newsletter. The lucky winner was Roger
Brook who received a bird book (surprise, surprise) as his prize. The title of the book has slipped my
mind for the moment.
Don't forget the Bring and Buy sale at our March Indoor Meeting. It seems a long way ahead, but
time flies. You have plenty of time to sort out your unwanted items. The last one raised £48.40 for
RSPB funds.
And don't forget Big Garden Birdwatch which, this year, is on the 26/27th January. Last winter was
a great one for birds in my garden. I was visited by a pair of lesser redpolls. The first to visit in
over 30 years. They were around the niger seed feeder on and off for two weeks. There was also a
pair of bullfinches in the garden almost daily for most of the winter. They were occasionally visited
by another male. This caused a great deal of annoyance for the resident male. However, they all
disappeared with the start of spring. A pair of blackcaps also spent a good deal of the winter
foraging in the crab apple tree outside my kitchen doors. Most spectacular of all was the lone
fieldfare which seemed to live on my crab apples for most of the winter. Fieldfares are a bit larger
than blackbirds and so it came as a shock to the pair of blackbirds
which usually have the pick of the winter crab apples to be chased
away by the fieldfare. However, the blackbirds nested as usual in
the garden after the fieldfare had flown north for the summer.
Anyway, back to Big Garden Birdwatch. Last January I spent my
usual hour by the kitchen window with my note book and as you can
guess, not a redpoll, blackcap, fieldfare, redwing or bullfinch
showed its face. I did see a robin though!
And finally, the spring Newsletter that you should receive in January will be shorter than in the
past and there will be no photo competition this year (see page 11). As you already have details of
the trips and indoor meeting twice (once in the autumn Newsletter and also on the calendar) the
committee has decided not to repeat this again.
Happy Birding,
Richard Rodway Newsletter Editor
Autumn 2012
4
News and Events Summary
2012 September
T he start of another birding season
with our popular annual trip to
Teesmouth where we always get a warm
welcome and a cup of tea. We also have
our first indoor meeting.
October
T his month sees our annual trip to
Spurn.
November
O ur Northumberland trip and a talk
about the Scilly Isles.
December
D on’t forget the Annual General
Meeting on the 5th together with a
talk by Ted Clements.
2013
January
G et ready for the Big Garden
Birdwatch event on the weekend of
the 26th and 27th.
February
C ome along to this month’s indoor
meeting with a little spare cash to
buy a handmade nest box for National
Nestbox Week
March
O ur bring and buy sale will be held at
the indoor meeting this month.
Come along with your old junk and go
home with some new junk.
April
O ur outdoor meetings programme
begins this month with our visit to
Eccup Reservoir and continues next
month with two more walks
May
A new coach trip to Idle Valley nature
reserve in Nottinghamshire. Not to
be missed.
June
O ur group weekend trip to Anglesey
and the coach trip to Upper
Teesdale finish the year.
Membership Update This year the RSPB Leeds Local Group has a total membership of 452
households, just slightly down from 460 last year. This still represents a good
renewal rate and we have also had the pleasure of welcoming many new
members throughout the year. Of these 452 households, 339 pay by standing
order (340 last year) and 113 by annual payment of cash, cheque or postal
order (120 last year). For those paying by cash, cheque or postal order, a
renewal form is enclosed. Thank you for your continued support.
Stephanie Bigglestone
Treasurer’s Report Leeds Group’s donation to RSPB in this Financial Year to March 2012 has
unfortunately reduced to £3,500. This is through a combination of factors which
we are hoping to address in the coming year following a full financial review.
However, given the austere times in which we live, this is still a creditable
outcome.
The £3,500 has been donated as follows:-
£1500 to Farming and Agriculture which gives assistance to farmers across the
region to manage their farms to benefit declining farmland birds such as
lapwing, curlew, skylark, tree sparrow and corn bunting.
The other £2000 has been split 4 ways (£500 each) to help the following:
Upland and Blanket Bogs - helping bog restoration and moorland sites which
will benefit species such as hen harrier and ring ouzel and also attract southern
heathland species moving north such as Dartford warbler and adder.
Woodland – to assist tree planting projects and also the woodland trail at
Fairburn Ings.
Lowland Wet Grassland – extending and improving the Dearne Valley reserves
including Old Moor.
International campaigns – to assist with campaigns such as Save the Albatross
and Save the Sumatran Rain Forest.
As usual, full details of the Accounts will be revealed at the December AGM. In
the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of
Leeds Group for their contribution, particularly those of you who have helped
with our fund raising activities.
In addition, we have made a profit of £223.65 through sales goods and £225
through membership recruitment. These funds will be allocated to suitable
causes in due course.
Thank you all once again.
David Hatfield
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
5
Disease Threat to Garden Finches - How You Can Help
O nce again this year, large numbers of greenfinches are
dying of a disease called trichomonosis, which is caused
by a microscopic parasite. Outbreaks have been seen every
year since 2005 during the late summer and autumn.
Greenfinch populations have been recorded dropping by a
third, and chaffinch populations by a fifth in those parts of the
country that suffer the most serious outbreaks. Recent research
shows that the disease has since spread to finches on
continental Europe, most likely with migrating chaffinches.
Greenfinches are reported most frequently, but other finches
and house sparrows are also susceptible to trichomonosis. This
is a disease found only in birds - it does not pose a threat to the
health of humans, cats or dogs. The trichomonad parasite lives
in the upper digestive tract of the bird, and its actions
progressively block the bird’s throat, making it unable to
swallow food. The bird dies from starvation.
Birds with the disease show signs of general illness, for example
lethargy and fluffed-up plumage, but affected birds may also
drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or
show laboured breathing. Finches are frequently seen to have
matted, wet plumage around the face and beak, and uneaten
food in and around the beak. In some cases, swelling of the
neck may be seen from a distance.
What can you do to help?
Transmission of infection between birds happens when they
feed one another with regurgitated food during the breeding
season, and through food or drinking water contaminated with
recently regurgitated saliva.
If you suspect an outbreak, it is best to temporarily stop putting
out food, and leave bird baths dry until sick or dead birds are
no longer found in the garden. This is to discourage birds from
congregating together, which may increase the potential for
the disease to spread between individuals. The regular
cleaning of all feeders, bird baths and feeding surfaces, is an
essential part of looking after garden birds and will help to
lower the risk to birds of diseases in general.
No effective treatment can be administered to birds in the
wild, because it is impossible to ensure that the infected
individuals receive an adequate dose and that healthy birds
do not pick up the medicine.
The Garden Bird Health Initiative
If you are finding sick and dead birds in your garden, you can help monitor the spread and intensity of all disease
outbreaks in garden birds by reporting what is happening to the birds visiting your garden. If you have access to the
internet, you can access a recording form http://www.ufaw.org.uk/gbhi.php
Simon Reeve
Autumn 2012
6
Our Trip to North Ronaldsay
O n the 17th September 2011 the two of us together with 6 other hardy members and our leader Ian Ford left
Nethy Bridge heading North towards John O’Groats and Gills Bay on a birding tour to Orkney and North
Ronaldsay, arranged by Heatherlea, Birding & Wildlife Tour Orgainisation, and based at the Mountview Hotel,
Nethy Bridge which is just outside Aviemore.
During our journey we had a short stop at Loch Fleet to view Teal, Widgeon, Mallard, as well as 2 Golden Eye
before continuing to the coast at Brora for a tea stop and a spot of sea watching. Gannets, Eiders and Red-breasted
Mergansers drifted past and waders were numerous including Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Knot, Curlew, Redshank,
Godwits and Rock Doves.
Continuing to Gills Bay for our ferry across to Orkney, we just had to stop at John O’Groats to see for ourselves
this iconic starting point for so much fund raising. Unfortunately it was raining, so for us it became more a toilet
stop than a tourist attraction.
Having boarded the catamaran at Gills Bay the weather cleared and we were able to be on the top deck for the
calm crossing over to St Margarets Hope, South Ronaldsay. All eyes were focused out to sea as we watched
Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Black Guillimots. We also sighted Great Skuas and a Pomarine
Skua chasing a gull. Puffins and Red Throated Divers drifted on the sea as we approached St Margarets Hope.
Once ashore we looked for a sheltered tea stop and settled for inside the minibus to do some bird watching. We
found a flock of 20 Red-Breasted Mergansers and 2 Slavonian Grebes on the sea
By now the rain had returned and a short stop at the Italian Chapel was a welcome break for us all. The Chapel was
built by Italian Prisoners of War, during World War Two. It was constructed from 2 Nissen huts and materials left
over from the Churchill Barriers, which were built by the prisoners to link and protect the islands. We continued
our journey to arrive at the Loch Stenness Hotel just outside Stromness which would be our base for the next 2
days.
On the Sunday morning by the hotel we had our first views of Hen Harrier, Linnet, Greenfinch and a large flock of
Golden Plover before travelling on to the Neolithic Ring of Brodger. Hen Harriers and Wheatears were an added
interest before continuing onto Stromness and a walk along the edge of the Sound of Hoy. White Wagtail, Great
Skuas, Rock Pippits and Twite were very obliging. Onward to Skara Brae where some of the group visited the
Neolithic village whilst the rest continued bird watching and were rewarded with wonderful close views of a male
and female Hen Harrier. After lunch at the Bay of Skaill where waders, wheatears and wagtails were present we
moved onto Marwick Bay where we saw a Shag having difficulty swallowing a large flatfish. The Brougth of
Birsay was another stop with stunning scenery.
Monday saw the group take the short flight over to North Ronaldsay in the most beautiful weather. The small plane
flies at less than 100 mph and at a height of 500 feet providing excellent views of the surrounding islands. The
airport on the island consists of one small building, which holds one small weighing machine, a telephone and a
small shop, checking in is non-existent. We picked up a mini bus which we used for our 4 day visit arriving at the
Observatory shortly after.
After a lunch outside in the sunshine we started to explore the island. Sightings for the day were Whinchats, Sedge
Warblers, large number of Snipe. Yellow Browed Warblers, large flocks of Golden Plover, Lapland Buntings
calling overhead, and Willow Warblers. We went chasing Rosefinch – which proved elusive but had good close
views of Ruff.
Tuesday dawned fine but very very windy. After breakfast we went searching for Citrine Wagtail which had been
seen early that morning. On the way we spotted a Red Backed Shrike sat on a fence – a lifer for Rod and I –
juvenile Hen Harrier, then we carried on to the top of the island by the old Beacon and Light House. Even though
we tried our hardest the Citrine Wagtail wasn’t to be seen that day. The weather decided to take a turn for the
worse so we sheltered in the hide and did some sea watching. The Gannets, Skuas and Fulmars were in and out of
view due to the heavy seas. Luckily out of the sea spray, appeared approximately 20 Snow Buntings in front of our
eyes, to disappear further up the headland. In the afternoon we visited the island pier with sightings of Purple
Sandpipers, Red Throated Divers, Black Guillemots, Kittiwakes and North Ronaldsay Sheep. We returned to the
Lighthouse checking a boggy lake where we saw Snipe, Whinchat and excellent views of Lapland Buntings.
Following a call from one of the wardens who claimed they had seen a “Funny Kestrel”, news quickly broke that
this was a first summer male “Lesser Kestrel”. It was perched on a farm building close to the observatory. We
raced over t o the farm where we all had excellent views of this wonderful little bird. This was Scotland’s 3 rd ever
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
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sighting.
Wednesday we spent the day at the north end by the lighthouse and on the island’s golf course (annual membership
£5.00). Species seen – on a wet and windy day - Meadow Pipits, Short Toed Lark, Rosefinch – 2 more lifers - Linnets and
a female Merlin.
Thursday we decided to walk along the coastal footpath. Species seen, North Ronaldsay Wren, Lapland Buntings, and a
skein of Pink Feet flew in off the sea and continued south. In an adjoining stubble field we had good views of Knot. Upon
returning to the lighthouse area– for one last visit – success at last, good views of Citrine Wagtail and Buff Bellied Pipit –
2 more lifers for Rod and I.
Friday. After another good flight we landed at Kirkwall Airport where we picked up our mini-bus and parked up by a
lake near to Kirkwall where we had good views of our first Whooper Swans. Ian then took us to Maeshowe – which is a
Neolithic Chambered Cairn – built 5,000 years ago and is considered to be one of the finest architectural achievements in
Europe. There we were entertained to a guided tour. Just before having to make our way back to St. Margaret’s Bay for
our ferry we went for a trip around the mainland and decided to park up overlooking a loch. We scanned around the reeds
and an adult female Hen Harrier flew out followed by 3 young – what a wonderful sight. A few miles short of the ferry
terminal we had a long awaited view of a Short Eared Owl.
During our trip back on the Catamaran to the north of Scotland we saw Porpoise, Great Skuas, Razorbills, Guillimots,
Gannets and Kittiwakes. Continuing our journey back to Nethy Bridge we stopped for delectable fish and chips in Wick.
The memory of our stay at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory will include, the birds and wildlife we encountered, the
enthusiasm of our leader, the friendship formed within our group, and Alison – the Duty Warden and her team – who
were the perfect hosts providing us with a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, lovely accommodation and hearty meals.
What more could we ask for – well maybe a few more rarities but we’ll leave that for another visit.
Rodney and Anne German
Rodney and Anne outside the Observatory
Autumn 2012
8
My First Bird Holiday
I t was in September 2010 that I had an email from Pauline Hogg excitedly telling me that she had booked herself onto the
Bird Holidays trip to north east Argentina. Whilst I had been to Argentina a couple of times in the past, it was really only
to pass through on the way to the Antarctic, so I had a look at the itinerary and some of the birds that might be seen. It could
have been a cocktail menu, given the exotic names; would you drink a black-and-white monjita or would you look at it
through your bins? So I had a discussion with the Domestic Authorities, who decided that they were happy for me to go and
I made the booking. The only problem was that it was over a year to go until the departure date…
An extension to the trip in the brochure was mooted to take in a few days in Patagonia which Pauline and I were only too
happy to take advantage of since it included looking for the exceedingly rare and comparatively recently discovered hooded
grebe. For the extension to be viable we needed one more person to sign-up and fortunately, Ian Willoughby decided that he
wanted to make the trip and would take the spare seat in Patagonia. Everything was now in place.
Eventually, the time passed, and we arrived in Buenos Aires very late at night and we were all very relieved to transfer to
our hotel so that we could grab a few hours rest. After a short sleep, we mustered by the bus and ticked off a few of the
urban specialities of the city, including grey-breasted martin, monk parakeet and two of the most sought-after species of any
trip overseas – the feral pigeon and house sparrow! Fortunately the slow traffic in Buenos Aires allowed us to see green-
barred woodpecker, picazuro pigeon, southern lapwing and perhaps most fittingly, the Argentine national bird the rufous
hornero all before we hit the road in earnest.
Certain species quickly became travelling companions for much of the rest of the journey. Chimango and southern caracaras
seemed to be everywhere, fulfilling a very similar ecological niche as the corvids in the UK. Southern lapwings were
alongside the road almost all the time and fork-tailed flycatchers were everywhere – although it took one of the group three
days to actually see one! Nearer to the coast, we began to see greater rheas with increasing frequency. For such a large bird,
they required a bit of “getting your eye in” to separate them from their surroundings and, on some occasions, sheep! We
soon got familiar with these big emu-like birds, even to the point of discussing how they would taste…
Arriving at the coast, we began to get to grips with the waders, such as Hudsonian godwit, solitary sandpiper and white-
rumped sandpiper, as well as an array of passerines living in the coastal scrub. Getting the names correctly was almost as
tricky as identifying the species concerned, such as bay-capped wren-spinetail and sulphur-throated spinetail. All these were
accompanied by coscoroba swans, black-necked swans, various egrets, coots and ducks and, a highlight for me, Chilean
flamingo and roseate spoonbill. The remaining supporting cast was made up of raptors, perhaps the most beautiful being a
male cinereous harrier, which looks a lot like our hen harrier. White-tailed and snail kites formed part of this ensemble
along the way, as did our first (of many) burrowing owls. For me, the starring cast were gathered on the beach at the mouth
of the Rio de la Plata in the form of a large number of terns, including gull-billed, cayenne, royal, common and snowy-
crowned. Another of my wish-list birds put in an appearance in the form of a group of black skimmers; these unusual birds
have an extended lower mandible which they dip into the water as they fly along the surface, catching their prey as they go.
From the coast we headed back to Buenos Aires to catch a short flight into the north east of the country. This was where we
hit the first of several transport glitches, with our flight being summarily cancelled on us. Quick work from our leader Phil
Palmer and our local guide soon had us on a flight to an alternative airport. A quickly rearranged bus pick-up at the other
end had us arriving at our Estancia in the heart of the Ibera Marshes in the small hours of the morning. A few hours sleep
and we were all quickly out, taking in the jacana, egrets, screamers and limpkin. We also kept a watchful eye on the caiman!
The estancia was a large cattle ranch, still very much worked in the traditional way by teams of Gauchos on horseback. Out
on the trails, it was quickly confirmed that the black-and-white monjita is most definitely a bird, not a cocktail and a
beautiful one at that.
There were several highlights of the marshes, one being the strange-tailed tyrant. This little bird has really long “tail-flags”
which it uses for display, and we were lucky enough to see it in action. This bird was the emblem of the trip, so we were
very pleased to see it. The other big highlight for me was the variety of rails and crakes that we got to see, by boat and on
land. Giant wood rail were everywhere, but we also got some real rarities in the shape of rufous-sided crake, yellow
breasted crake, purple gallinule and spotted rail.
From Ibera we pressed on to Iguazu. The waterfalls there are stunning and, to my mind, surpass Victoria and Niagara as a
spectacle. It is no wonder that they appear as the backdrop to so many films! The undoubted stars were the great dusky
swifts, plunging into the water to perch on the cliffs in and around the deluge; they were an absolute joy to see. We were
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
9
also treated to toco toucans, one of which was caught in the act of stealing an egg from a kiskadee, whilst parrots,
parakeets and a smattering of hummingbirds all added to the experience.
The relatively early fall of night did nothing to diminish the birding, as we found that a potoo was using the trees round the
hotel to hunt for moths. We were also fortunate to visit a local national park to see scissor-tailed and sickle-winged
nightjar. The former gave us a fabulous display of its extremely long tail feathers.
Within the town of Iguazu, one highlight was undoubtedly the Jardin de la Picaflores, which is a private garden in which
there are a large number of sugar-syrup feeders. One hour spent in that garden was magical, with eight different species of
hummingbird present during that time. The names are as glorious as the birds – black-throated mango, gilded sapphire and
glittering-bellied emerad to name just three. They were joined by bananaquit, blue dacnis and violaceous euphonia, all of
which added greatly to the colour.
The Uraguai Provincial Park was the remaining birding venue and quickly delivered a dazzling array of flycatchers,
hirundines, woodcreepers and tanagers, with the swallow-tailed tanager being a real highlight. A fly-by from the locally
mega-rare grey-headed kite was a real treat and set us up very well for one of the local forest specialities, the black-fronted
piping-guan. This turkey sized bird gave away its’ presence with a carpet of dropped fruit, and it froze in position for some
time giving us brilliant views.
Another airline nightmare saw us make the return journey to Buenos Aires on an overnight bus, featuring fold flat beds
and at-seat hot meals. We were a day late in getting back and we waited anxiously to hear about our onward journey to
Patagonia. The chaos at Iguazu airport meant that others cancelled their Patagonia flights, and we jumped as soon as seats
became available. The flight took us briefly to Ushuaia, the gateway to the Antarctic, where it was a bit frustrating to have
to stay in the plane, but our arrival at El Calafate quickly put paid to any disappointment as our local guide took us to a
municipal reserve and we began to clock up the local specialities, with upland geese, chiloe wigeon and black-faced ibis
seen before dinner.
The following day, we enjoyed condor sightings as we set off across the wind-swept Patagonian landscape and started to
pick up tawny-throated dotterel, various miners, seedsnipe and sierra-finches. We stopped finally by a lake and were
treated to our ultimate target, the critically endangered hooded grebe. This is a stunning little bird and one that I count
myself extremely fortunate to have seen.
Our final day saw us at the Perito Moreno glacier, a fitting end to the non-avian spectacle of our trip and a final flourish of
birds, including a fly-past by an ashy-headed goose, as well as austral parakeets, austral blackbirds and spectacled duck.
From there we headed back to El Calafate airport and began the long journey home.
In the end, I chalked up 337 species, of which 290 were lifers. Pauline and I also passed our landmark 1000 th species
during the trip. Argentina is certainly a country with a massive amount to offer a visiting birder; British visitors are made
to feel very welcome, so it is to be hoped that the present political spat doesn’t put too many people off going. As for me, I
am now looking in the Bird Holidays brochure and wondering where next…
Owen Watson
Do You Need to Amend Your Standing Order?
One of the reasons for our fall in income this year is that some of our members are not paying the correct subscription!
From contacting some of you, we have discovered that you are under the impression that RSPB Leeds can change the
amount for you and claim the correct amount. This is only the case with the direct debit system which is far too expensive
for a small Group like ours.
You are paying your annual subscription by standing order which is an instruction from you to your Bank and can only
be changed by you!
If you are not paying the correct amount (£6 for individuals and £9 for joint members) then please contact your Bank –
if you use Internet Banking you should be able to change this yourself!
It may be too late for this year as the payments go out in early August, but it will give you the opportunity to check the
amount paid on your next statement and hopefully correct it for next year.
Thank you and thanks to those of you who already pay the right amount!
David H
Autumn 2012
10
Rain Doesn’t Stop Play!!!!!!!
W hat an amazing group of people come on our coach trips! I write this on the day following our Farne Islands
trip where the weather forecast was for light rain until 1pm and then heavy rain until 4pm. What time were we
due to sail? You guessed it – from 1 to 4pm!! Did people cancel in their droves? No, they did not. Fortunately the
weather hadn’t looked at the forecast so arrived later than expected so we had an almost dry landing on Inner Farne
where we ducked and dived under the aerial attack of the Arctic Terns (Elaine had her woolly hat plucked off her head
7 times!!); oohed and aahed at the cuteness of the Puffins; and marvelled at the closeness of all the breeding birds. The
rain did come on the boat journey back accompanied by an increasing swell which caused Judith, David and I to be
engulfed by a bow wave, much to the hilarity of everyone else. The heavens truly opened as we were walking back to
the coach so it was a very soggy group who dripped back into their seats. But the deluge did nothing to dampen the
spirits of our members and, as I went round collecting the money, everybody was smiling and happy and saying what
a great day they’d had and hadn’t we been lucky with the weather??!! You truly are a joy to go birding with!
We’ve had a good season of coach trips with some good birds and pleasant days. Probably the most noteworthy
were Titchwell Marsh with Cetti’s, Spotted Redshank in breeding plumage, Pied Flycatcher and an Osprey; and our
Grasmere walk with more Pied Flycatchers and Wood Warblers than we’ve come across before and another Osprey!
However the cool wet weather has meant we’re all still dressed up in our full winter kit and knees remain white
and hidden from view under zipped-up zippy-off trousers!
Our average attendance would have remained at around 45 had it not been for 2 very poorly attended trips where
we picked an earlier date in September than most of you were back from holiday, and our March Rutland Water trip
where the Met Office issued serious snow warnings, which for once were correct, meaning our poor coach driver,
Simon, had a horrendous journey both back to Leeds and then back home to Selby on roads that were slippery and
covered in snow. This year we have welcomed 9 new people who seem keen to come again so we must be doing
something right!
As the coach now comes from Selby, our pick-up point at Horsforth is no longer viable so from September we
will have a new pick-up point which Simon already uses for another group. This will be the main Roundhay
Park car park situated on Prince’s Avenue opposite Lidgett Park Road and close to Tropical World. We will
leave here at 8:15am. The pick-up at Infirmary Street will remain unchanged.
So it just remains for me to say that I look forward to seeing all the regular coach trippers on 29 September for our
annual trip to Teesmouth and hope we will be able to welcome some other new people into the fold. If you wish to
contact me, the number is 07722 120540.
Pauline Hogg
Reservations
Some wet but cheerful ladies on the boat back from Farne
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
11
A Flight of Fancy?
I recently celebrated my 50th birthday (no comments please) with an “experience day” at a well known falconry
centre. Falconry is the ancient field ‘sport’ of hunting with trained birds of prey. I have always wanted to experience
it. More importantly, I wanted to know more about the birds themselves.
On the day Leeds was very cold and the roads were icy. However, by the time I reached the centre there was slush on the
road. The wind was from the northwest, but once the sun made an appearance, the skies had cleared. It was not long
before I was handling and flying the birds. Due to the weather and staffing difficulties we were not able to work with
the barn owl so we started with the European eagle owl. (Did you know that since hunting with hounds was banned in
2005 several hunts have taken to employing these magnificent birds to make the kill? Because they need specialist care,
there has been an increase in the number of birds that have been abandoned/abused or mistreated!)
We then experienced peregrine in flight. We were told of the Arab falconers, who even today prize falcons. To meet the
aesthetic requirements of the Arabs hybrid falcons are ‘created’ combining the desert falcon - the saker and the gyrfalcon
or peregrine. I was surprised at the peregrine’s silent flight. It was stealth at its best. We were shown the bird’s
‘mantling’ to protect its quarry, and how it would work to a lure. Brilliant!
I also got to fly Harris Hawk, Golden Eagle, and my favourite - the Bateleur Eagle. The Bateleur (Terathopius
ecaudatus) is a medium-sized eagle. Bateleur is French for tight-rope walker. This is because of the bird’s characteristic
habit of tipping the ends of its wings when flying, as if catching its balance. The eagle is normally found in the savannah
country in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a snake eating eagle, who would also feed on small mammals, such as mongoose,
and meerkat!
Whilst I am not advocating falconry, true to its advertising blurb the day gave me a fascinating insight to the physiology,
psychology and biology of the birds as well as weight management, captive breeding and artificial insemination. My
head is still swimming with all the knowledge gained. (Please note that if you are at all concerned about fresh dead
chicks being fed to the birds, or seeing birds take live quarry, it may not be for you). There are also numerous centres
that give you this insight without the falconry element, for example Muncaster Castle
Diane Craven
Suspension AGM photo comp!
Our last AGM photo comp showed that interest had waned as we had so few entries that the costs of the prizes
were not covered and I ended up funding some out of my own pocket!! That is also why the photos do not appear in
this copy of the newsletter as in previous years; the printing costs are just too expensive for so few entries.
However, we have not completely abandoned the competition and will probably have one every 2-3 years, so keep
on taking those photos and earmarking them as entries. As I have always said, this competition was never for the
“good” photographers among you but always for the chance pic you are proud of whatever your camera or skill.
But – you have to be in it to win it!!
Pauline Hogg
Autumn 2012
12
Indoor Meetings are held at The
Friend´s Meeting House
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Please Note:
COACH OUTINGS depart from Infirmary Street, off City Square, Leeds at 8.30am prompt unless otherwise stated.
NB From this September the coach will also pick up at 8.15 am at the main Roundhay Park car park situated
on Prince’s Avenue opposite Lidgett Park Road and close to Tropical World. The coach will no longer pick up
in Horsforth. For further information and bookings contact our Reservations Officer, Pauline Hogg on 07722
120540. Children travel at half price. Please bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and sturdy footwear on all trips. INDOOR MEETINGS take place in the Friends Meeting House 188 Woodhouse Lane just. (See map below) at
7.30pm. Group Members £3.00, Non-members £4.00. Wheelchair access is available.
ON THE WEB Visit our website www.rspb.org.uk/groups/leeds
VENUE
Friends Meeting
House
188 Woodhouse
Lane
LS2 9DX
St Marks
Street
Limited Parking available in
Friends Meeting House car
park off St. Marks Street
StreetParking available on
Clarendon Road
Buses 1, 28, 56, 96, 96a, 97, 97a in Woodhouse Lane
NB: Please check for any recent changes
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
13
2012
SEPTEMBER
INDOOR MEETING Speakers: Susan and Allan Parker
Wednesday 19th Spring Birds on the Outer Hebrides This talk takes us from the islands of Lewis and Harris in the north to North Uist, South
Uist and Benbecula in the south, looking at a wide range of seabirds and waders as well as rare breeding birds such as
Corncrakes, Phalaropes, and Hen Harrier.
COACH OUTING Venue: Teesmouth Fare £15.00
Saturday 29th
Back to one of our most productive winter venues on the east coast, but a little earlier
than usual. We may see seals, divers, grebes, waders, wildfowl and perhaps some hunting owls. Whatever the weather we
can be sure of a warm welcome awaiting us at the Teesmouth Visitor Centre. There will be some flat walking but most of
the time we shall be bussed around. Julie Mason will also be taking us to the new RSPB Saltholme reserve.
OCTOBER
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Tom Lawson
Wednesday 17th To the Tibetan Plateau
Tom will introduce us to the natural wonders of this unique and breathtaking part of the
world, which he has visited on a number of occasions. The Tibetan Plateau in western China has 18 nature reserves and is
home to over 488 species of bird alone.
COACH OUTING Venue: Spurn Fare £15.00
Saturday 27th This is our usual autumn visit to this YWT reserve. High tide will be at about
4.30pm. This is peak migration time so depending on the wind strength and direction we could see almost anything
from huge flocks of Goldcrest and winter thrushes to Great Grey Shrikes. The walk from the coach to Spurn Point and
back is about 7 miles, so allow plenty of time, but there are many good bird areas closer to the coach drop drop-off
point if you don’t fancy a long walk.
.
NOVEMBER
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Tim Melling
Wednesday 21st Wildlife of the Scilly Isles
The Isles of Scilly are the most south westerly land mass in Britain and support a range
of special flowers and wildlife, some of which occur nowhere else in Britain. This talk looks at some of this special
wildlife, in particular the birds, for which the islands are justifiably famous, including the breeding birds and the
bewildering array of unusual migrants.
Autumn 2012
14
COACH OUTING Venue : Northumberland Fare: £17.00
Saturday 24th This trip will take in some of Northumberland’s best coastal sites such as Cresswell Ponds and
Druridge Bay. There may be grebes and divers on the sea, while fields, pools and mud flats provide excellent habitat for
resident and migrant waders, wildfowl and flocks of finches and buntings.
DECEMBER
INDOOR MEETING Annual General Meeting and Speaker Ted Clements
Travels with a Camera Wednesday 5th This is an audio-visual presentation looking at birds and wildlife of The Shetlands and
Suffolk
COACH OUTING Venue: Martin Mere
Fare £15.00 for WWT members, £21.00 for non-members
Saturday 8th At this time of tear we should see plenty of geese, ducks, waders
and perhaps marsh harriers. There are also otters and beavers, although you will be very
lucky to see these.
2013
JANUARY
COACH OUTING Venue: Marshside Fare £15.00
Saturday 12th Once again we visit one of our favourite reserves on the salt marshes of the Ribble near
Southport. We should be treated to excellent views of thousands of wildfowl and waders and , we hope, a few hunting
raptors such as harriers and peregrines. We may also visit the nearby reserve Hesketh Outmarsh.
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Geoff Trinder
Madagascar
Wednesday 16th The fourth largest island in the World, Madagascar has animal and plant species that
are found nowhere else. This talk has something for everybody. The lemurs are especial favourites.
FEBRUARY
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Inspector Terry Murgatroyd
Wildlife Crime in West Yorkshire
Wednesday 20th Inspector Murgatroyd is the Wildlife Crime Co-Ordinator for West Yorkshire Police.
He will give an overview of how the force deals with wildlife crime locally, which includes cruelty to, and the unlawful
killing of, wild mammals and birds, some of which are protected species.
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
15
COACH OUTING Venue: Rutland Water Fare £19.00
Saturday 23rd Always a favourite with our members and wintering birds alike, this site, owned by
Anglian Water, is managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. We will start our day by parking at the
Egleton Reserve and birding from its many hides overlooking the lagoons. We shall then move to the dam at the eastern
edge of the reservoir to look for overwintering grebes. See www.rutlandwater.org.uk
MARCH
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Colin Straker
Kazakhstan : Birds of Mountain, Desert and Steppe
Wednesday 20th This talk takes us on a journey to the Tien Shan Mountains in the northern foothills of the
Himalayas.
COACH OUTING Venue: Tophill Low Fare £17.00
Saturday 23rd Tophill Low near Driffield in the East Riding is a pair of reservoirs (named O and D after their
respective shapes) surrounded by the nature reserve, all run by Yorkshire Water. There are 12 hides scattered around the
reserve with views over the dozen or so ponds as well as the marshes, reed beds and the reservoirs. There is a small colony
of common terns which should have arrived back by the time of our visit and a large colony of black-headed gulls and a
few marsh harriers. There are also over 300 great crested newts as well as grass snakes and otters.
.
APRIL
INDOOR MEETING Speaker: Steven Rutherford
Dearne Valley : Old Moor
Wednesday 17th Many of you will have visited this South Yorkshire RSPB reserve and know what a
wonderful place it is, teeming with birds throughout the year. This talk will take you through the history and
management of Old Moor, looking at the birds and other wildlife that frequent the skies, fields and open water of this
local nature reserve.
OUTDOOR MEETING Venue: Eccup Free
Saturday 20th Meet at The New Inn car park at 10.00 am. The walk will finish around 12.00
by which time the pub will be open. We are hoping that the little owl will be as obliging as before. This was our most
popular walk last year and again our hosts and guides will be Anne and Nigel Ponsford.
Autumn 2012
16
OUTDOOR MEETING Venue: Harewood Free
Wednesday 24th Meet inside the gates at the Wike Road car park at 7.30 pm. We should get good views of red
kites and some warblers just arrived from Africa. With luck we should also see a tawny owl or two and perhaps roding
woodcocks. We hope to have a bat detector too. It will be dark for the walk back so a torch would be handy. Your hosts
for the walk will be Caroline Turner and Richard Rodway.
COACH OUTING Venue: Leighton Moss Fare: £15.00
Saturday 27th We will visit the RSPB reserve with the largest reed bed in the north of England.
Look out for marsh harriers and reed bunting and listen out for, or perhaps see, the bitterns. A nice cup of tea and cakes
are available in the café for those needing refreshment after a hard day’s birding.
MAY
OUTDOOR MEETING Venue: Rodley Nature Reserve Free
Saturday 4th Meet at 10am in the car park by the reserve entrance. The reserve is just off Rodley
High Street (A657), next to Barker's factory and opposite the park. Cross the swing bridge, the entrance is through the
gates just to the left. The 670 bus from Leeds to Bradford and the 760 from Leeds to Keighley stop on Rodley High
Street and both run every half hour
COACH OUTING Venue: Idle Valley Fare £15.00
Saturday 25th Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve, Idle Valley, is a new venue for us. This
spectacular wetland site covers an area of 450 hectares following the River Idle northwards. The size of 600 football
pitches, it is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands. The wide range of habitats may
produce our most northerly chances of nightingale and turtle dove. We have the possibility of a walk right through
the reserve, or a drop-off at the Visitor Centre with shorter walks. There will also be an optional guided walk
around the reserve led by James, the Reserve Warden .
JUNE
COACH OUTING Venue: Upper Teesdale Walk Fare: £15.00
Saturday 8th This unique mix of pasture, moor and upland habitats has one of the densest concentrations of
breeding waders in Britain. There is also a good chance of seeing local specialities such as dipper, ring ouzel, goosander
and wheatear. We will, as usual, stop to see the black grouse on the way back. The walking on this trip is fairly flat apart
from a stretch up onto the moor, although there are several stiles.
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
17
GROUP WEEKEND Venue: Anglesey Price dependant on numbers
Fri-Sun 14th-16th June Details and booking form in January Newsletter
What birds spend all their time on their knees?
Birds of prey.
When is the best time to buy budgies?
When they're going cheap.
What do you call a woodpecker with no beak?
A headbanger
Autumn 2012
18
Committee Members
Secretary and Reservations
Pauline Hogg 07722 120540
Minutes Secretary
Jean Nossiter [email protected]
Treasurer
David Hatfield 0113 293 2581 [email protected]
48 Whinmoor Crescent
Leeds LS14 1EW
Membership
Stephanie Bigglestone
28 The View,
Leeds LS8 1HQ 0774 6646881 [email protected]
Catering
Fran Jewitt 0113 293 3092
Publicity
Caroline Turner 0113 217 6170 [email protected]
Sales
Ian Willoughby 0113 258 6555
59 Hunger Hills Drive
Horsforth
Leeds LS18 5JU
Newsletter Editor
Richard Rodway 07837940983 [email protected]
45 Sutherland Avenue
LS8 1BY
Website Editor
Simon Reeve [email protected]
Supermarket Collections
Brian Ruston 0113 2662749
RSPB Leeds Local Group Newsletter Autumn 2012
19
T his Newsletter is published by the RSPB Leeds Local Group, a voluntary organisation supporting the work of the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Membership of the Local Group is open to anyone interested in birds.
Contributions for future newsletters would be much appreciated and can be accepted hand written, typed or on PC
format discs in Microsoft Word. Apologies if we are not able to include your article in the next published edition, as
there is not always room, but we will keep it for future publications. Small snippets of news are useful to fill spaces.
Please send or e-mail contributions to any committee member. Don’t forget to add your name to the article and it
would be helpful if you could think of a catchy title.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR
THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
Autumn 2012
20
Nature’s Voice
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten
our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.
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 UK Partner
of the global federation of conservation organisations Birdlife International
RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 680551
The RSPB is a registered charity, England and Wales No. 207076 Scotland no. SC037654