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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

FREE

ENTRY

Valid until end April 2013 - worth £4.00

INDOOR MEETING - ADMIT ONE

for use by non-members only

LEEDS LOCAL GROUP

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ENTRY

Valid until end April 2013 - worth £4.00

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for use by non-members only

LEEDS LOCAL GROUP


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

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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


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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

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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


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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

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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


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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


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


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.


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.


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


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

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