Page 18 - Out Birding August 2022

View from the Chair
One of the nicest jobs I have as chair is helping
the committee decide how to use our conserva-
tion fund. This time around I’m delighted that
we agreed to support the BTO’s current
‘Urban’ appeal, RSPB’s fundraiser for a new
hide at Dungeness, Curlew Action and LIPU-
UK (which raises funds for the Birdlife partner
in Italy). As many of you know, much of my
time in recent springs has been dedicated to
Curlew conservation in Oxfordshire, so I’m especially pleased that we are support- ing Curlew Action, a small charity led by the brilliant writer and campaigner Mary Colwell. Check out their website www.curlewaction.org too, everything from socks and tee shirts to a message from singer David Gray.
Your committee is also looking at how to improve the digital experience we provide for members, and at the same time make it easier for us to operate with the modest level of techy skills we possess. We are really keen to invite any members with skills or experience in developing digital platforms to help us with this initiative. If you are able to offer us some time and expertise, please get in touch with me.
The high profile of ‘Pride Month’ events though June was great to see, with RSPB and BTO very prominent in promoting this to their audiences, with a generally warm reception. I got a lovely surprise recently when I called into the Abingdon Arms in Beckley (one of the villages that form a ring around the extensive wetland at Otmoor near Oxford). They were just getting set up for a Pride Party, with some great sounding food, drinks and entertainment. Just a shame I wasn’t dressed for the occa- sion having been up very early in the morning trying to spot Cranes and Bitterns! We’d love to get more involved with Pride events next year but we need a volunteer or two to organise this for us - again, please get in touch you’d like to help.
Just when we thought Pat might be enjoying a well earned rest after organising our Portland GGT, she has actually been busy planning our next one - which will be based in Skegness, Lincolnshire. One birding site nearby is the fabulous Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve on the edge of The Wash. For anyone who loves wading birds and waterfowl this reserve is a real treat to visit year round. Last summer I spent a day there when two Pacific Golden Plovers were in residence and was able to stay on into the evening. Now bathed in beautiful evening sunshine, a flock of twenty or so Spoonbill, that had sat roosting most of the day, suddenly came to life and started feeding, swishing their bills back and forth through the shallow pools: a magical scene. Then a Short-eared Owl flew into view, from time to time dipping down after prey, then drifting over the sea wall and off across seemingly endless salt marshes.
Happy birding! Mike
18