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The Army Ornithological Society: a new joiners reasons Col (Retd) Paul Mannering
In my thirty-eight and a half years Army service I had never heard of the Army Ornithological Society, and it was a further fifteen years, more or less to the day, when I applied for AOS membership.
Joining the AOS came about by chance.
I was pursuing my hobby of photography
at a local nature site called Tices Meadow near Aldershot Hants. At the time I was
the Programme Secretary for a local photography group and was looking for somewhere to have a summer evenings club walk. I was essentially on a recce.
During my career in the Army Medical Services, firstly as a dental nurse and clerk and latterly in the medics as a Medical Support Officer, I had happened upon a
Maj Richard Sergeant on Facebook as a mutual friend of another medic. During my photography club recce visit I met Richard for the first time by chance and another ex-medic was also in the same place. I was made to feel extremely welcome there and explained I was more into photography
than bird watching. It did not take too long before the infectious enthusiasm of others was very catching, and Richard asked if I’d like to become a member of the AOS. Just before joining, on another occasion at Tices meadow, I met Roger Dickey who was there ringing birds. That was fascinating and truly absorbing. I applied to join and the welcome
notes from Roger and Paul Burnett indicated to me that I had joined a great organisation full of friendly enthusiasts. I continued to bump into Richard at Tices and then found out that we live less than a mile from each other. He has since helped me with bird ID online and face to face. I have also now been able to photograph Roger during ringing sessions and the kestrel ringing was a real experience. My connection with Roger is extended through a mutual friend who was part of the Army Infra Org that I joined after leaving the Army. A small world indeed.
Unfortunately, because of other commitments, I haven’t been unable to take full advantage of the AOS Events. I did though manage to get to the AGM meeting in Altcar and meet many other members including some from my past. Most notably
was Rodney Walker and what a pleasure spending time on one of the walks with
him. The social side in the evening provided for more opportunity to get to know other members. I really did enjoy that trip and look forward to being part of others in the future, particularly Portland, as this year I am away at the same time.
I intend placing this article for the Adjutant into the Dental Corps Bulletin to try and bring awareness of the AOS. Thanks to you all for making me feel welcome, educating me to bird ID, their song, habits and for your friendliness.
My attached images are a 3-year-old Gannet at RSPB Bempton cliffs, bedraggled Robin at Monkey World Dorset and Flamingo at Drusillas Park Sussex.
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