Field Meetings 2008-2009

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Next Field Meeting: 11 October 2008 - Holy Island (by coach)

» Our planned programme of outings for the 2008-2009 season includes a mixture of local trips by car and excursions further afield by minibus and coach.

» All trips start from the Stockton Road entrance to the University of Durham Science Site, but timings vary - follow the links in the table below to see more details for each trip.

» For local excursions no advanced booking is needed.  Minibus trips should be booked well in advance (see below) with David Sowerbutts (Tel. (0191) 3867201).

» See below for details of forthcoming trips or view the season's programme, but please note that trips marked with an asterisk(*) are still provisional:

Saturday 11th October - Holy Island (by coach)
At this time of year the last of our summer visitors, including species such as Redstart and Wheatear, are moving south and, given suitable weather conditions, they may be accompanied by scarcer birds from Scandinavia, or even further east.

Early October is likely to provide sightings of geese, while the winter thrushes (Fieldfare and Redwing) may be arriving in numbers, perhaps accompanied by Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Blue Tits and Goldcrests, which will have crossed the North Sea from Norway and Sweden. Bramblings and Siskins are also often seen. A range of waders will be feeding on the island shores, while the resident Eiders will be on the sea and divers and grebes may also be noted. In some years there are sightings of Short-eared Owls and there is always a chance of one of the scarcer birds of prey.

We expect to pay a short visit to another coastal site after we leave the island.

The excursion starts at 9.00 a.m. from the Stockton Road entrance to the University of Durham Science Site, and we should be back in Durham between 6.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. The cost will be £16.00 (RSPB members), £17.00 (non-members) and £6.00 (juniors). Packed lunch/tea, warm and waterproof clothing required. Bookings should be sent, with cheque/postal order (payable to RSPB Durham Local Group), to David Sowerbutts, 9 Prebends Field, Gilesgate Moor, Durham DH1 1HH - telephone 0191-386-7201 - to arrive not later than 27th September.

Saturday 3rd January - New Year Outing (by car)
Our New Year Outing for 2009 will not be on New Year's Day, but on the first Saturday. These outings continue to be popular and to provide an opportunity for members to get their year's birdwatching off to a good start. They often produce sightings of unusual species - in recent years Whooper Swan, Red-throated Diver, Mediterranean Gull, Smew, Velvet Scoter and Snow Bunting are among the birds we have seen.

The exact destination for our trip in 2009 will depend on information at the time on where the more unusual birds are to be found, but it is likely that it will be in South Northumberland or around the estuary of the Tees.

Travel will be in members' cars, starting from the Stockton Road entrance to the University of Durham Science Site at 9.00 a.m. and getting back around 4.00 or 4.30 p.m. No advance booking is needed.