Field Trip - Sat 27th April 7.30am
Orgreave Lakes
Our annual field trip to Orgreave will be led by Mark Reeder who has shown phenomenal daily dedIcation to this patch over many years.
Orgreave, aka Lake Waverley, can be a magnet for spring passage migrants given favourable wind & weather conditions. From passerines like Wheatear & Yellow Wagtails, to Terns, Swifts & Swallows and, most typically, Waders on the east-Atlantic flyway. These birds stage their way from Africa and the Mediterranean, through the UK, on their way north. Species such as Arctic Tern & Black Tern are possible here with birds recorded a most years. There's already been a Little Gull pass through this month. On the Wader front: Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Ruff are all possible. A rarer Stint species? Plovers?....
Many species of bird not normally associated with inland sites are recorded here. The birds can drop-in to refuel after a long night flight or get forced down by inclement weather. Sunshine is not necessarily best! Plus there's all the usual migrants with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler & Blackcap that might be on site.
Meet on the footbridge over the River Rother from 7.30am. (Blue Binoculars icon) The footpath is accessed from Washfield Lane and crosses over the railway footbridge. There is room for on-street parking outside Treeton Cricket Club. (Magenta Flag Icon)
Enter S60 5PU into your Sat Nav. Stout boots or Wellies are advised.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1nVx0nwzmq35E1wP_bGTt60nXkw2O89ht&usp=sharing
Indoor Meeting Weds 8th May 7.15pm
David Wood
From the Pampas to Patagonia : Birding in Argentina
With a land mass over 11 times that of the UK, and stretching 2,360 miles from North to South, Argentina encompasses a wide range of habitats, from sub-tropical to sub-Antarctic. Home to over 1,000 species of birds, as well as some outstanding destinations, all connected via very good infrastructure, the country is an excellent location for ‘hard-core’ and family-friendly birding alike. In this talk, David will focus on the species found in three areas: the far north-east around Iguazu Falls; the extensive pampas in the centre of the country; and Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego National Park at the southern tip of Patagonia.
David Wood is former Chair of SBSG, co-editor of ten years’ worth of the Group’s annual report and co-author (with Richard Hill) of Breeding Birds of the Sheffield Area (2013). A retired Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Sheffield, he will draw on his knowledge of the region to provide a background to the country and its avifauna.
Agenda:
- Welcome & announcements
- Main Speaker - David Wood
- Interval
- Recorder's Report - Ron Blagden
- Next meeting & close
Followed by drinks in the University Arms