Water Bird Count - 14th March 2010

Meeting Time :      10am
Meeting Place :     The Refreshment Kiosk in Wanstead Park (if you enter Wanstead Park at the Northumberland Avenue entrance, from the Aldersbrook Estate, you will see the Kiosk straight ahead.)
Leaders :              Pete and Valerie Saunders
If you require further information, please contact Pete and Valerie at :
Tel No :                020 8539 1560

Last month's Water Bird Count took place on a very wet and cold Sunday morning in February, but despite the awful weather, ten people turned up, including Forest Keepers Andrew Gammie and Sam Jarrah-Moon.  Gadwall numbers were very much reduced this time, as were Pochards and Shovelers, but one Greylag was seen on the Ornamental Waters.  We only managed to cover the waters in Wanstead Park on this occasion, as we didn't have enough people to deal with the external waters on Wanstead Flats etc.

As we've now reached a transitional period for our visiting winter water birds, our forthcoming water bird count session on Sunday 14th March (which is also the final session of the season) may be the last chance to see them - so we hope that more of you will be able to join us.  And there may be a slim chance of seeing a spring migrant, the Garganey, as one was seen here last spring - fingers crossed, anyway!

There's no need to book your place, just turn up, and non-members are also welcome to join us.  As the wintry weather is still persisting, please wear suitable clothing and footwear.  Remember to bring a pen/pencil and pad to note the birds we see and, if you have them, binoculars.  You don't have to be a bird expert, as there will be a few experienced 'birders' amongst us, who will be able to identify and explain something about the birds.  The Refreshment Kiosk in Wanstead Park has a wide selection of food and drink, including hot beverages, so you can warm up with a hot drink before and/or after our session.

Hope to see you on Sunday!