WVBS forthcoming events Jan 2007
A reminder that our first meeting at Weston Longville Village Hall is on Thursday 18th January when member David Pelling will be describing his birding trip to Florida last year. This area is a good introduction to birding in America so if you are contemplating a visit or want to learn more do come along. 7.30pm start as usual.
On Saturday 27th January our outdoor meeting is to the RSPB Ouse Washes and the Welney Wildlife and Wetland Trust Reserves. We are meeting at Denver Sluice (OS map 143 grid reference TF 589011) which is situated approximately 2 miles S of Downham Market. On the A10 bypass, about one mile S of Downham Market turn on to the B1507 (sign-posted Denver/Denver Complex/Denver Mill). Pass the recently renovated mill, following the signs for Denver Sluice. Cross the first bridge then park in the obvious large gravel car park on the left. There is a toilet block here but it is sometimes locked in winter.
Colin Fenn (tel 01362-697783) is our leader and his plans for the day will be determined by the water levels on the local roads but he hopes to spend a little time at Denver Sluice before moving on to the WWT Welney and/or the Ouse Washes Reserves. There are toilets at both sites and a very new Visitor’s Centre at Welney with a café & shop. There is an admission charge at Welney of £3.90 for adults (£3.20 for Senior Citizens i.e. 60 or over) although we may be able to arrange a group rate if we have 15 or more members wishing to go. Please let us know if you plan to join us by either adding your name to the attendance sheet at our next indoor meeting or by letting Colin know by Friday 18th January. Some birds we hope to see on the day are Bewick & Whooper Swan, various wildfowl species, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and possibly winter raptors.
On Thursday 15th February the speaker at our indoor meeting will be Jon Clifton whose topic will be “Shetland Wildlife”. The Shetland Isles offers some of the best wildlife in Scotland with over 1 million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe and regular sightings of Killer Whales. It is also famous as a place where you can enjoy some amazing rare birds so Jon’s talk promises to be an evening to look forward to. Weston Longville Village Hall at 7.30pm as usual.
Sunday 25th February outdoor meeting to NWT Hickling NR and Stubb Mill raptor roost. Meet 11.30am at Potter Heigham Church. Leader Alwyn Jackson. More details in the next newsletter.