SK58
Birders
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© SK58 Birders 2023
est. 1992 website est. 1996
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! NEW ! 22nd September We hate to mention the 'C' word, but Christmas is looming. In the past we've held very successful Christmas meals in lieu of a December indoor meeting. Covid threw a spanner in the works and since then there hasn't been much of an 'appetite', so to speak for a Christmas meal. So basically it's down to the membership- if you want a Christmas meal, usually early to mid December, on Friday or Saturday night, can you let one the organisers know. In previous years we've held successful events at the Loyal Trooper itself and in years past, at Zara's (Indian restaurant in Tickhill). But if you know or have a preference for an alternative, then let us know so we can gauge interest. 12th September Not long now until the new season kicks off. At our organisers meetings (September the first since the summer break), we plan our monthly field trips. We try to plan trips which offer a blend of local and regional locations, such as Spurn or Frampton. However if there's any species/ group of birds you'd like to see, a place or reserve you want to visit, just let any of the group organisers know and we'll try to incorporate the location into our calendar. 1st August If anyone is after a small camera bag our recorder has one which came free with something. Brand new- donation to SK58 Birders if interested. 30th July A further reminder that after twenty plus years of carrying out Membership Secretary duties, Lyn Facer is stepping down at the end of the year. This is an important role within the group, but not particularly difficult. If you think you'd like to help out or take over from Lyn, then by all means chat or email her at membership@sk58birders.com We've also completed a new "Welcome pack" for new members. This has a welcome letter from the Chair, a note about resources available to group members, a document containing background information on the group and a recording sheet. This will be sent to out with the next newsletter, as it might be of use to members who've been in the group the while. 29th July A reminder of our 30th Anniversary trip to Frampton & the Lincolnshire Coast at the end of September. This will be a flexible weekend. Members can come for the Saturday, Sunday or make a weekend of it. Saturday 23rd September- Frampton Marsh. Spend the day at the reserve. Overnight in Boston at the Premier Inn. We are suggesting staying centrally in Boston at the Premier Inn. Stay there on the Saturday and have a meal together. Those wishing to to go, arrange their own accommodation. We will probably car share. If you want to go let Andy Hirst know along with what day(s) you are going and whether you can offer or require a lift.Sunday 24th September- Frieston Shore and/ or Gibraltar Point, home Sunday evening. 24th July We've given Mick Clay, our Conservation Officer, a new email address- imaginatively; conservation@sk58birders.com So any conservation issues, please use this email to contact Mick. 13th June We've found out the planning application for the solar panel array at Common Farm, Dinnington has been approved. The full application can be seen here. 9th June At last months organisers meeting it was agreed to run a 30th Anniversary trip to Frampton & the Lincolnshire Coast at the end of September. This will be a flexible weekend. Members can come for the Saturday, Sunday or make a weekend of it. Saturday 23rd September- Frampton Marsh. Spend the day at the reserve. Overnight in Boston at the Premier Inn. We are suggesting staying centrally in Boston at the Premier Inn. Stay there on the Saturday and have a meal together. Those wishing to to go, arrange their own accommodation. We will probably car share. If you want to go let Andy Hirst know along with what day(s) you are going and whether you can offer or require a lift.Sunday 24th September- Frieston Shore and/ or Gibraltar Point, home Sunday evening. 17th May A reminder that after twenty plus years of of carrying out Membership Secretary duties, Lyn Facer is stepping down at the end of the year. This is an important role within the group, but not particularly difficult. If you think you'd like to help out or take over from Lyn, then by all means chat or email her at membership@sk58birders.com 16th May 2023 is SK58 Birders 30th year. We are hoping to run a 30th Anniversary weekend away to somewhere like Rutland Water in the late summer or autumn. Take up has been slow, so if you would like to go, or have an alternative venue, let Andy Hirst know ASAP, so we can firm up plans. At the moment we are looking at Rutland Water in early September, outside the school holidays. One, possibly two night stay (Friday to Sunday) in a good standard local hotel near Oakham. An itinerary will probably be Fri-Sat birding around Rutland and on the Sunday go to Stamford for a non birdy, touristy day. 28th April Our April indoor meeting ended up being a bit of a celebration, commemorating 30 years of SK58 Birders. Pete Brown gave his enthralling talk "Northumbrian Garden Parrot", but prior to this our first chairman, Rob Hardcastle was presented with a certificate, acknowledging his honorary life membership for his outstanding contribution to the group. Pictured below are all the past and present SK58 Chairmen. Rob
Hardcastle (1992-1997), Andy Hirst (1997-2002),
Mick Clay (2002-2016) & Paul Tennyson (2017-)
1st April The final records are in for 2022. During the year we recorded 137 species in 5883 records from 35 observers. Why we record birds. 24th March Further to our 30th Anniversary year, the organisers discussed running a members weekend away. Suggestions included Rutland Water or the Farnes. Anytime is good for Rutland, so possibly a weekend in September. The Farnes would be more time specific, maybe June to early July (to avoid school holiday prices & subject to bird flu!). We could take a minibus. Accommodation would be in a local hotel or B&B. If you are interested or have alternative suggestions , then let one of the group organisers know. 22nd March As part of our 30th Anniversary year the Organisers have decided to make two members Honorary Life Members. This is something new for the group, in recognition of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the group over the years.
Rob also helped organise our initial surveys, the Woodland Survey of 1997 and our Common Bird Census which ran for several years in Hawks Wood by the Chesterfield Canal in the mid- to late 1990's. Rob is still involved with the group, living in North Yorkshire, he analyses the data from our Tetrad Atlas Surveys and has several times talked to the group about the evolving trends the survey has revealed. Rob pictured, at "Bird Rock" in Wales on a weekend away. Note Andy Hirst's Capri in the background- shows how long ago that was! I'm sure you'll all agree, a worthy recipient of an Honorary Life membership.
It was through Harry's ringing efforts, we found the movement of winter thrushes through sites such as NAPT. Consistent counts of birds such as Blackbirds were initially thought to be the same birds over wintering, but ringing new individuals with no re-traps proved the constant numbers were actually birds replacing other birds which had moved through, in effect NAPT was a motorway services for thrushes. This the sort of data ringing yields. Harry also appeared in a promotional video for SK58 Birders back in 2000, his ringing skills caught on video. Harry was involved with one of the last Barn Owl release schemes in the country. SK58 in conjunction with the Butterfly House released eight Barn Owl back in the wild, this before the population explosion in 2010. In retirement Harry returned to Austria where he enjoys birding around Neusiedl. Again, I'm sure you'll agree a worthy recipient of a Honorary Life membership. Pictured is Harry at the Butterfly House, about to release a Barn Owl in one of the last release schemes, in July 2001. 21st March Did you know we have car stickers to help promote the group? Collect yours at the next indoor meeting. 28th February We've had a request for help from our next door neighbours at the Sheffield Bird Study Group, with assistance with their Willow Tit survey- details below. If you can help let the group know and we'll pass on Richard's email address. (Members will have received this in an email). "I just
wondered if any of your SK58 members would be interested in helping
with the SBSG's final year of Willow Tit surveying please? - there's
one or two squares around Rotherham which we we could do with covering. 27th February Stone Curlew has been added to the SK58 Official List, following the submission and acceptance of a description. 21st February Just a quick reminder that subs are now due. See Join us page for rates and how to pay. 16th February I'm sure the "Friends of Firbeck Hall" won't mind us sharing this image of the newly refurbished Firbeck hall, now looking resplendent with a roof and new windows. Firbeck
Hall © Friends
of Firbeck Hall 7th February We've also received details of long time member Wilf Slack's funeral: The funeral is on Thursday 16th February at 1400 at Rotherham Crematorium. 6th February We've received notification of "The 12th South Yorkshire Natural History Day" The
12th South Yorkshire Natural History Day
10:30 Introductions and housekeeping 10:40 Bob Croxton
- Rotherham Wetlands Bat Survey 11:30 Break 12:00 Joyce
Simmons - Brockadale - a limestone treasure 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch 2:00 Steve Byers
- A Carrion Crow in close up 3:30+ Informal chat and drinks. Dismantle displays. An
exhibition of wildlife wood carvings and taxidermy by Steve Toher 29th January Following on from the renewal article below, did you know you can bay by BACS/ online? If you use online banking, contact either our Treasurer or Membership Secretary for online banking details to enable a paperless transfer. If paying online, please use your surname & initial as reference so we know who you are. 24th January Just a reminder it's the AGM on 31st January- don't be put off! the formalities only last 20 mins, then It'll be our own Mick Clay, talking about his local patches within SK58. Also a reminder that subs are now due.
11th January We've received the sad news that long time member Wilf Slack has passed away. Wilf was a member for over 20 years. May the group pass on its heartfelt condolences to his friends and family- and thanks to his son for advising us in person. 17th December Firstly can we wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year! Just a few notes from an extra organisers meeting held on Wednesday 14th December:
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A group focused on recording the bird life of a single 10km square between Sheffield, Rotherham & Worksop content & design by Andy Hirst |