Natural History Meetings:        4th Wednesday of each Month      Group Leader:   Hilary Telephone:       431853

The Natural History group includes bird watching, but titled thus gives us a wider scope. We are planning various visits to local wildlife hotspots over the next few months.

Natural History Group ~ update Eleven   members   enjoyed   a   mild   sunny   morning   at   the   Wildfowl   and   Wetland   Trust   reserve   at   Steart   Marshes,   viewing birds   from   the   Quantock   Hide.   In   near   perfect   conditions   we   saw   3   Little   Egrets,   a   Grey   Heron,   many   Shelduck,   many Teal,   the   odd   Mallard,   about   8   pairs   of   Shoveller,   a   Coot,   several   Oystercatchers,   about   18   Avocets,   3   Little   Ringed Plovers,   2   Lesser   Black-backed   Gulls,   a   Woodpigeon,   Skylark   (heard),   a   Pied   Wagtail,   a   Dunnock,   a   Magpie,   2   Carrion Crows and 4 Goldfinches: also 3 Roe Deer grazing. The   bulk   of   the   massed   over-wintering   waders   departed   in   February   and   the   first   of   the   summer   visitors   including   the Little   Ringed   Plovers   had   arrived   recently.   In   Autumn   when   the   over-wintering   waders   and   wildfowl   return,   several further species like Greenshank, Ruff, Little Stint (passage migrants) can be seen from this hide. If   you   are   interested   in   finding   out   more   about   us,   please   ring   me   on   01278   431853.   If   I’m   not   around,   please   leave   a message and I will endeavour to get back to you.        Hilary

Note:  In all cases before joining a group for the first time please telephone the group leader.