Do you feed the birds in your garden, listen to their songs and sometimes wish you knew the names of some of the less common ones that visit? Perhaps you enjoy walking in the countryside, observing the birds as you go and can identify most of them, or are already a seasoned birder.
Whatever the depth of your knowledge, if you appreciate and enjoy the richness of the birdlife around us, then Bakewell Bird Study Group is sure to have something in their programme of meetings to interest you.
On the second Monday evening of each month from September through April members and interested visitors meet at the Friends Meeting House, the group’s regular venue, for interesting presentations on bird related subjects. These are given by invited individuals, experts in their fields, accompanied by beautiful photography.
Walks and trips are organised throughout the year to interesting locations, sometimes coastal, where the more experienced members will assist with identification of both birds and birdsong.
Our autumn programme of meetings commences on Monday 11th September at 7.30 pm, with a presentation by local naturalist Paul Bingham, ‘Namibia and Its Wildlife’, which concentrates on spectacular landscapes and wildlife. Although mostly desert, the variety of landscapes and wildlife makes this one of Africa’s most impressive countries. A 3,500km drive visits deserts, the world’s highest sand dunes (350m high), the spectacular Skeleton coast before returning inland through rugged landscapes to Etosha, one of Africa’s most famous national parks rich in mammals and birds. Our photo shows a rather scary looking Secretary Bird. Future presentations this season will include Alaska, Norfolk, Varanger Fiord and Shetland with a talk on water voles in Derbyshire thrown in for good measure.
Why not come to our first meeting and join the group? It’s only £15 per annum and for that you get seven talks and a similar number of outdoor walks. Alternatively it’s £3.00 on the door for non-members.
Meetings are listed in the Peak Advertiser and at Bakewell Tourist Information Office or visit the BBSG web site or call 07768 928432.