Wednesday 24 June 2015

From around the lagoon last night

Is the last one a reed warbler? 






Saturday 20 June 2015

Malta Documentary In Green Unplugged Film Festival

From Stephen Cummings

The full length film of Calderdale Bird Conservation Group members in Malta that I shot in 2007 and 2008 is now showing live in the Green Unplugged online film festival

To watch the full length version of Birds, Bins and Bullets just click on this LINK

Friday 19 June 2015

Open Day

A reminder that Saturday's planned Open Day, June 20th has been postponed due to a service problem. The Open Day will now be held on Saturday, August the 22nd. More details to follow.

The Bee Hunt  Saturday afternoon the 20th with Robin and the Group is still running. Meet at 2pm on site. This will be followed by our very popular Summer Solstice walk at 19:15 in the evening.

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Bashing the balsam

Six of us attacked the balsam this morning - me being the novice, tutored by Shelagh, John, Bruce, Allan and Graham.
If you've never tried it come and have a go next time. It's a cross between weeding and a combat sport! You don't actually bash it, just pull it out by its rather feeble roots. There is loads and loads of it and it needs pulling up before it flowers to keep it at bay. We had already devastated quite a large area by 12noon when I had to leave, but the others continued longer. I hope there are some photos of the felled stalks as it's very satisfying to see the fruits of your labours.
Lessons learned:

  • balsam likes growing alongside nettles and brambles so my gloves were definitely needed
  • it is hot work but you need long sleeves to avoid thorns and stings
  • thicker trousers would also have resisted the thorns better - do NOT even think of doing this in shorts!
Here's to next time!

Margaret

Saturday 13 June 2015

Balsam Bash this Wednesday the 17th at 10:00am

There will be a Balsam Bash this Wednesday the 17th of June at 10:00am
Please meet in the car park. Bring boots/Wellingtons and a drink.
A few shots from this afternoon. Is the last one a young reed bunting?



Thursday 11 June 2015

Todays Walk

          Had a walk Round the site today with Graham. H.
          There was plenty of birdsong but not much showing,
          but nice to see the damsel flies out in force and a few
          butterflies showing.










Monday 1 June 2015

Warbler Day

             Todays visit to the area-:
         
           10+ Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers
           6 Long Tailed Tit, lots of Blue,Great, Coal Tits,
           4 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 4 Wren, 8 Goldfinch
           2 Nuthatch, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Jay
           6 Bullfinch, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Wagtail
           4 Canada's with 8 Goslings.