| WVBS - March 2010 |
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Where are our Summer Migrants? - The first indoor event of our year was a presentation by Dr Phil Atkinson of the BTO entitled, 'Out of Africa'. This project is one of the BTOs prominent themes for the next few years and aims to improve our knowledge of the ecology of migrants wintering in Africa. Little is known about when they arrive, how they move around and what habitats they use. It is known that two thirds of these species are declining. The Wood warbler, for instance is declining by 10% per year. To address this knowledge gap the BTO, in collaboration with the RSPB, the Ghana Wildlife Society and Naturama, will be monitoring migrants in five West African habitats ranging from the arid Sahelion area of Burkina Faso to the lush tropical habitats of southern Ghana. The survey starts in the winter of 2009/2010. Lots of info on this vital task on the BTO website including the important topic of funding. After the break Dr Phil looked back at a hundred years of bird ringing. A sixteenth century wood carving showed Swallows being fished from a pond as it was then widely thought they spent the winter at the bottom of reedbeds. It was not until the early 1900s that the first bird ringing schemes were hatched to answer the question of where our summer visitors spent the winter. Two excellent presentations to the usual BTO's high standard. I usually write this article one month before publication and last month I talked about the possibility of bad weather in January. Little did I know that it would be the coldest January for decades. Many thanks to all who phoned in reporting unusual visitors such as Fieldfares, Redwings and Blackcaps coming in to the gardens looking for food. Dates for March: Allan Hale is at the controls at Weston Longville Village Hall on Thursday 18th presenting, 'A Birders Year in Norfolk', starting at 7.30 pm. Outdoors on Sunday 28th, we visit Lyndford Arboretum, originally part of the Lynford Hall estate the woodland is now open to the public with some pleasant walks, over 200 species of trees and good 'on foot' access. All are welcome, especially beginners, but please note there is a small charge for non-members. Colin Wright [01603 740548] www.wvbs.co.uk |
