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SSANDBACH U3A BIRDWATCHING PROGRAMME 2011/2012

RSPB = Royal Society for the Protection of Birds     WWT = Wildfowl & Wetlands trust    LNR = Local Nature Reserve    WT = Wildlife Trust   GP = Gravel Pits

SP = Spring tide = higher than normal tide which pushes birds closer to shore-bound observers   CP = Country Park    VC = Visitor Centre

 Sandbach U3A Birdwatching 2011/20112     

Leaders

Leader Richard Howells  01270-764882    07833 644902 richard.tawnies@sky.com

Admin Louise Adams   01270-760033     07776 205304  wladams2004@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile numbers have been included to enable members to stay in touch if, for instance, they are late to a rendezvous, or cannot find the rest of the group.

Venues Our birdwatching outings have been chosen to provide a wide variety of habitats and thus, hopefully, a wide variety of birds for members to view. Most have water and water birds, whether coastal or inland. Inevitably, to access the better sites, some travelling is undertaken, and distances and estimated travelling times have been added to the programme overleaf. For comparison, destinations on previous programmes have been: The Spinnies 90 miles, Woolston Eyes 21 miles and Connah’s Quay  44 miles.  We shall aim to be home by late afternoon/early evening – precise times will depend on the group, the weather and the birds. The destinations listed overleaf may change due to weather conditions or other factors.

As last year we will plan a pub lunch after the pre-Christmas stroll.  We also hope to be able to organise a 4 night trip to the North East in May which will be open to Birdwatchers and their partners.

Organisation The U3A Birdwatching Group operates on a co-operative basis, with members pooling cars for transport and sharing petrol costs. Journey cost calculated using 20p per mile divided by number in car.

On the basis that the early bird catches the worm, and therefore that the early birdwatcher catches the bird, we meet at 08.30. We meet at Richard's house 41, Tatton Drive, where there is plenty of free on-street parking.  The group will normally meet on 3^rd Wednesday of every month.  More experienced members help out those new to the pastime in finding and identifying birds both by sight and sound. Novices are, therefore, very welcome.

Members who are interested in any trip should e-mail or telephone the day before to confirm details.  An email reminder will usually be sent a week before the trip.

Reports on past meetings can be found on the Sandbach U3A website www.SandbachU3A.org.uk

Requirements

Packed lunch and drinks   
We usually take a packed lunch and a hot drink, as many destinations are “light” on facilities (see programme for details)

Binoculars and/or telescope
You will eventually need your own binoculars but new members may be able to borrow some to begin with.  Two or three members also usually bring telescopes to enable participants to get “up close and personal” with distant birds.

Warm/waterproof clothing and footwear

RSPB Membership pass (if applicable)

WWT Membership Pass (if applicable)

Notebook and field guide

Mobile Phone
It is recommended that you programme in an ICE number.  In Case of Emergency, a number which can be quickly found and used to contact a family member or friend

50p per person per outing goes to U3A funds

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