The RSPB on Club Together
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Saw the Snowy Owl at RSPB Snettisham whilst we were vanning in North Norfolk
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Just a quick tongue in cheek question, Charlotte.
Any chance you can persuade the powers that be at RSPB HQ to take over the editorialship of the CMC mamazine? I've been really impressed with the way the RSPB has changed their mag, particularly over the last 12 months. Well done.
Your question about Spring - We're off to do some nature watching (mostly birds) in Southern Germany and the Netherlands until summer arrives.
ps - Nice photo Oneputt.😊
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Wow, Oneputt, such a wonderful animal.
Well, thank you very much, Wherenext. I will let my colleagues know that you're impressed with the hard work they've put in! I'm not sure about taking it on, though... It think we probably have enough on our plates for now
Have a wonderful time on the continent.
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This might not quite be the same as hearing this wonderful bird in person, but I thought I'd share this moving piece about the nightingale on BBC's Springwatch (from about 27 minutes in).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b5826r/springwatch-2018-episode-4
Soundman, Gary Moore, highlights just how severe the plight is for these incredible birds; which have suffered a staggering 90% UK population decline in the last 40 years.
If you'd like to do something to help nightingales then please visit our Save Lodge Hill campaign page.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/protecting-wildlife-sites-near-you/save-lodge-hill
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Fantastic picture Tania, never been able to get a clear shot like that. Just love the Nightingale song and if there is a cuckoo in the background that’s fantastic. We just got back from abroad so thanks for the Springwatch reminder, a lot of catch up to get through
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We have not long returned from the Brenne in Central France. We regularly stay at a municipal site in Rosnay. Nightingale sing from the hedge behind our pitch throughout May. Within 500 metres of the site we counted 17 singing males last year. The site is wonderful and all for £11 a night with all facilities. Recommended, particularly for birders.
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At a site in Spain (L'Amfora on the Bay of Roses) there was a nightingale in almost every tree - and sadly, after ten nights of hearing them competing by singing loudly just above our open rooflight, I don't think I appreciate their song as much as I used to do.
That's tongue in cheek by the way! Just after I met my OH (second time around) thirty years ago, I took my young sons on a pre-booked camping holiday in France, and when we arrived on our destination campsite I rang him from the campsite phone(!!!!) and he commented on the noisy nightingales in the background - so it's a bit 'Our Song'!
The Brenne is a lovely area for anyone interested in birds.0 -
Thank you so much to those of you who shared your thoughts as part of the Save Lodge Hill campaign. It's great to have this support from CAMC members .
I also really enjoyed hearing about nightingales in abundance of the continent, how lovely to have them singing to you through your rooflight, ValDa! Oh and Oneputt, the lovely photo up there is an example of a benefit of having access to RSPB photo stock - I myself am a terrible photographer!
Considering the heatwave and the current absence of rain, there are more ways you might be able to help our feathered and furry friends. Take a look at this link, which provides tips for keeping garden birds cool in the heat: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/heat-wave/
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Yup that's right, Oneputt! As a charity, we are trying to find ways to reduce our own plastic pollution. The potato starch wrappers for our Nature’s Home magazine is just the start.
For many years, we have also been successfully implementing a strategy for reducing the RSPB’s carbon footprint (especially from business travel and our built estate for example through a programme of investment in renewable energy and energy conservation measures). We are beginning to consider what other steps we might take to reduce plastic pollution as part of our wider strategy of waste reduction.0 -
To those of you thinking of somewhere new to visit in this unseasonably warm autumn, I've got just the thing!
RSPB are very excited to have recently opened our new reserve and visitor centre at Sherwood Forest. Find out more at www.visitsherwood.co.uk
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Hi Charlotte, and welcome.
I haven't been a member of this particular forum very long, and have only just discovered the link between the club, and the RSPB, which is really nice to see.
As a keen photographer, with a particular liking for wildlife, I have visited the reserves at Lackford Lakes (great for Kingfishers), and Fingringhoe.
We feed our garden birds throughout the year, and get an excellent variety of birds visit. The feeders, and the bird table, are always busy. We offer them a good menu , of Sunflower Hearts, Mealworms, and Suet Pellets. In late Autumn, and throughout the winter, we supplement this with seed laden Fat Balls. We always ensure that there is fresh water in the bird bath, which they really enjoyed during the heatwave.
Its a two way partnership, in that they get fed, and watered, and I get some good photos, without having to travel .
Fortunately, neither we nor our neighbours have cats, so the ground feeders, like the Chaffinches, and Dunnocks, etc, can feed safely on the ground.
We have three nesting boxes, and each year families of Blue Tits, are raised in them.
If its of interest, some my pictures can be seen on my website at:
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Sorry, no I don't unfortunately, but then I'm wouldn't class myself as a 'bird watcher', as I wouldn't dash off to catch a fleeting glimpse of a rare visiting bird, as would a serious birdwatcher.
I just enjoying photographing birds, rare or not.
Just realised that Lackford Lakes, and Fingringhoe are Wildlife Trust reserves, not RSPB. However, both organisations do a very worthwhile job.
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Couple of pictures taken at Lackford Lakes a couple of years ago
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The RSPB have a small wildlife garden at Flatford Mill in Suffolk.
Not Particularly good for birding, but good for Butterflies, and insects.
It has a small Pond, which attracts Dragon Flies, Damsel Flies, and Darters etc.
Primarily aimed at getting Children interested, and close to nature, with staff on hand to educate them.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/flatford-wildlife-garden/
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Thank you for the welcome, Dave L S . Those are some fabulous photos from yourself and from OnePutt! I wish I had this kind of talent.
Let's keep sharing those wonderful wildlife spots so that more people can get out and enjoy these places.
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I like the idea coming from the Scottish RSPB initiative on Shetland, a Prescription for Nature.
The pdf show the actual leaflet which encourages all sorts of activities. It has Shetland dialect in it but could easily be adapted for other places in the UK.
I don't know what others think but I think going outside even for a ten minute walk is good for most people. I suppose we're all lucky having vans that take us to so many different places.
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Yes! I completely agree and you are certainly right, Brue. Evidence is suggesting that simply spending some time in an urban park or taking a stroll somewhere "green" can really make a difference to the way we feel, emotionally and physically.
I think you're right that we certainly are lucky to have the opportunity and the means to leave the urban landscape behind and head out into a more wild setting from time to time.
Some fascinating information is emerging on the health and well being benefits of being closer nature and we are beginning to really get the good message out there! https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/our-positions-and-casework/our-positions/health/
My colleagues in Scotland are certainly onto a winner by prescribing this medicine!
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It's Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend! https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Make a brew and spend an hour recording what you see.
Have fun whether you're in your caravan, at home or want to do it in your local park.
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Just spent a pleasant Half Hour on Carnyx Wild's Loch Garten Camera watching all sorts of nut-eating birds displaying their natural abilities, and decided to go onto RSPB Loch Garten's own site.
Lo & Behold, regulars on there are already playing "Guess EJ's Arrival time / date " { where EJ is the Elderly Long term Female Osprey }
Those Rascals are even guessing if she'll have brought a Fish Supper with her !!
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Can someone from the RSPB please answer a query.
I understood that members of the CAMC could gain access to your reserves by production of their membership card, usually for 2 adults. I have noticed that the 2019 Good Savings Guide from the CAMC states that a voucher from said guide must also be produced, allowing entry for 2 adults and 2 children in addition to the CAMC membership card. Is this a change in rules?
Many thanks in anticipation of your reply.
ps - We have been members of the RSPB for ages so answer not for me but for other members.
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Here's the web site offer, which states two adults and two children go free with the CAMC member's card. It is a bit confusing to see that vouchers are needed in the Great Savings Guide. Maybe someone could report these posts and the club could respond?
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