Bird Watching

The birdwatching group has both indoor meetings and outdoor outings. Each outing will have a leader. Warm clothing is advised but a knowledge of birds is not necessary! If you are new to this Group please phone Eric or Viv before a meeting.

This Spring the Group will meet on:-

• Saturday, 8 May: at Holland's Farm, Westhead, 0930.

View U3A Bird Club May 2010 in a larger map

It was decided at the Planning Meeting that a day in the month different from the third Wednesday might attract more people to Group Birdwatching outings. So this Spring a variety of days are being tried. Members also suggested a number of new venues for later in the year. The first of these will be on:

• Tuesday, 15 June at Hightown, 1000. Meet outside Ranger Building. Park in Lower Alt Road.

View Hightown in a larger map

There will be no meeting in July or August.

A new UK wide Atlas of both breeding and wintering birds is being put together, based upon the observations of tens of thousands of bird watchers. 'Roving Observations' are being solicited from all birdwatchers to back up systematic census studies. There is at present a particular shortage of records for birds active at night. So if you know of any owls in your own patch then let me know. For an acceptable record I need to be told, species, where seen or heard, the date and time seen or heard and anything seen or heard which indicates breeding.

For more details phone Eric Morris on 01695 423891 or e-mail ericmorris@cix.co.uk or contact Viv Cole on 01704841014

Previous Outing to Woolston Eyes Bird Reserve

The meeting in April 2007 was at the Woolston Eyes Bird Reserve where a variety of waterbirds was seen including Black Necked Grebe. This reserve has been featured on BBC TV.

Woolston Eyes is a superb wetland habitat which lies next to the Manchester Ship Canal and is virtually right underneath the M6 motorway.

Known locally as 'The Eyes', the area comprises a small series of islands and reed beds that have become a man-made haven for wildlife.