WVBS - December 2010

Apologies for those who turned up to Weston Longville Village Hall for a talk on birds of the Isle of Man. Unfortunately Chris Sharpe was indisposed at the 11^th hour but we managed to get Chris Mills, birdwatcher, ringer, photographer and tour guide to talk about a birding trip to Oman and the United Arab Emirates.  Chris and a small group of birders (no doubt hardy souls) started their tour in Abu Dhabi in the UAE then crossed into Oman, a haven for migratory birds from both India and Africa. The tour travelled through Al Ain, the Muntasar Oasis, Al Beed, the Dhofar region and the isle of Masira. Lots of non-familiar species were shown. To name but a few, Mourning Wheatear, Ballion’s Crake, Rufous Bushchat, Black Crowned Finchlark, Bee Eater, Rueppells Weaver, Shining Sunbird, Imperial Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Hume’s Tawny Owl, and Crab Plover and the very elegant Red Billed Tropicbird. The full list and details of travelling through this part of the world can be found on the Norfolk Birding website www.norfolkbirding.com).

Birds in Distress: Throughout the year, and especially during the breeding season, birds can get into difficulties and I often receive calls from throughout the Wensum Valley seeking advice. If you come across a bird (or any other animal) in difficulties, such as the injured heron recently in Lenwade or the injured Buzzard near Hockering, the advice we give is to contact the RSPCA Wild life centre at East Winch near Kings Lynn. They often field local people who are able to attend sick and injured birds. Their emergency number is:- 0300 1234 999. Of course I would still like to hear from you, it’s good to get feedback.

Wild About Norfolk: – this year’s event was held in Neatherd School in Dereham. Judging by the number of visitors it was a success and it was good to see children getting involved in all things in the natural world.

Dates for December: As always, just one event – our Christmas Social on the 9^th at Weston Longville Village Hall. So here’s wishing all our readers a happy Christmas from the Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society.

Colin Wright [01603 740548]   www.wvbs.co.uk

 

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