Sunday 26th October- Lower Test & Calshot. This time of year, these site attract many passage and wintering waders and wildfowl, with sea birds off Calshot Spit. Meet at the Wharf at 8am for directions to the meeting place, or ring Lesley on the day before. Bring food for the day. -Leader TBC
Early November- Poole Harbour Cruise. ***Changed to early December, please see later***
Wednesday 12th November- Indoor Meeting. "Garden Birdwatch" For our regular joint meeting BBOWT, we are pleased to have Mike Toms, co-ordinator for the BTO's Garden Birdwatch scheme, who will tell us how this nationwide recording has enhanced the understanding of the status and behaviour of our 'ordinary' birds. Meeting starts at 7:30pm in the Old Council Chamber, Newbury Town Hall. There will be a raffle. All welcome - non-members of NDOC/BBOWT £2 entry. (Please note that there is now an evening parking charge in Newbury of £1)
Monday 17th November - Committee Meeting
Saturday 22nd November- Stodmarsh. ** LONG RANGER** Our last Long Ranger outing if the year is to this wetland area in Kent, renowned for its reedbeds. Please contact Jim Burnett if you are interested in going. It is planned to leave the Wharf at 8am.
Thursday 4th December- AGM. After elections and the business part of the evening, Jim Burnett will show slides of his birding trip to Kenya. Meeting starts at 7:30pm in St Mary's Church Hall, Geenham.
Sunday 7th December- Port Meadow / Farmoor. A morning visit to Part Meadow, Oxford, where rare gulls are often found when the field is wet enough. If there hasn't been enough rain previously, we will go to Farmoor instead. Meet at the Wharf at 8:30am for the final decision to be conveyed.
Sunday 14th December- Poole Harbour Bird Cruise & New Forest. We have booked places on the RSPB Bird Boat around Poole Harbour where we should see wintering Avocets, grebes, diving ducks and possibly divers. The boat leaves Parkstone Quay at 11am and the trip lasts about 2 hours, so after lunch we will head into the New Forest to look for Hawfinches and possible Hen Harriers before roosting. Tickets for the boat cost £9, and we are asked to purchase them in advance due to popularity. Names to Trevor Maynard please as early as possible.
Sunday 28th December - Theale. A morning out for fresh air after the Christmas festivities. Meet just beyond the Fox and Hounds Public House by Hosehill Lake at 9:30am to see what we can find. GR175 SU651699.
Sunday 4th January - Combe Wood. A morning walk in these extensive woods for wintering Thrushes, tit flocks and finches. Meet at 9:30am, parking in the paddock next to Keeper's bungalow off track towards Lower Farm, Combe. GR174 SU374609.
Saturday 10th January- Members' Afternoon. Our usual afternoon get-together for tea, cakes and short talks by members. To be held in the United Reform Church Hall, Thatcham. Doors will be open at 2pm for a prompt 2:30pm start. If you would like to show photos etc, please contact Trevor or Jim beforehand, particularly if on digital format.
Sunday 18th January - Blashford Lakes. These extensive lakes just north of Ringwood are developing well and at this time of year sometimes have Bewick Swans, wintering grebes and a good variety of wildfowl. Meet at the Wharf at 8:30am or at the visitor centre on Ellingham Drove at 10am. Bring food for the day. GR195 SU151079.
Tuesday 3rd February - "Birds of the Atlantic Forest". We have again bee invited by the Kintbury Wildlife Group to join them for this evening meeting, and are delighted that Andy Swash will be giving his talk on the birds of the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Andy's photography is superb and this is definately one not to be missed! Meeting starts at 7:30pm in the Coronation Hall, Inkpen Road, Kintbury. There will be refreshments and a raffle.
Satuday 7th February - Slimbridge WWT. A day out to this WWT reserve in Gloucestershire, where there should be Bewick Swans, White-fronted Geese and many wintering ducks. Bring food for the day or eat in the restaurant there. Meet at the Wharf at 8:30am or in the reserve car park at 10am. GR162 SO724048.
Sunday 22nd February - Hens Wood. A morning stroll around this wood between Hungerford and Marlborough where Siskin and Crossbills have been regular visitors in the past. Meeting place and time to be advised later.
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Disclaimers:
NDOC cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage to the belongings of members or visitors, nor for any loss, injury or inconvenience to any member or visitor attending NDOC activities.