10 Jan. 2002

Keith made a very welcome return to talk to the Group.  His talk was quite different from the others that he had given us.  It consisted of a travelogue beautifully illustrated with slides covering birds, other animals, flora and scenery.  It was a very welcome change for us and certainly whetted the appetite of many for a visit to Australia.  Keith's presentation is one showing great enthusiasm for all that he has seen, and we would certainly recommend him as a speaker to any Groups that have not had him to their meetings. 

7 Feb. 2002

John Spoke eloquently about his study of a wood near his Bristol home.  The study had taken place over a period in excess of twenty years and he described the many changes that had occurred over that period.  Some changes appeared to due to the influence of humans, some good and some less so.  Others were due possibly to climate change.

Once again an excellent talk which added to the very many interesting talks that we have had from this great speaker.

7 Mar. 2002

David regaled us with photographs of wonderful quality and described in detail the many special birds that may be seen on Scilly in the Autumn.

The talk was an excellent taster for our forthcoming trip to the Islands in October this year.  No-one present did not feel the impression of anticipation of which bird would be seen next.  Thank you David for giving us this wonderful insight into the Birds of the Scillies.

4  Apr. 2002

Colin Ryall, who has been a member of the RSPB Ring Ouzel Study Group researching the winter ecology and conservation aspects since 1993, gave us a fascinating insight into the habits of the relatively unknown bird of our area, the Ring Ouzel.  Its demands for specific types of juniper in its wintering grounds in Spain and Morocco and its love of conifers there compared graphically with its total avoidance of conifers in its breeding grounds.

The reason for the decline in Great Britain compared with other areas occupied by the same race, notably the Scandinavian countries, could not be explained, as there is still much work to be done.  However, that did not prevent our enjoyment of a careful study.

2  May 2002

David gave a great lecture illustrating the very many ways that butterflies and moths can disguise their presence and in addition gave examples of ways in which they can frighten off possible predators.

A truly great lecture and one that we can thoroughly recommend to any interested party.

5 Sept. 2002

Terry, a self-confessed non specialist in bird identification gave us a wonderful selection of wildlife and landscape photographs.  Clearly his specialty is photography but close behind, is his ability to pass on information in a clear and concise manner.  He kept the audience enthralled for the whole time of the talk and certainly we were not disappointed with this first time speaker to the group

Mike is a person committed to the environment.  As well as being a Volunteer at the RSPB's Sandwell Valley Reserve, he is secretary to the Bardsey Island Trust.  He informed us about eh history and development of the island as a reserve and showed many photographs taken of the whole island including flora and fauna.  A very interesting talk which fitted in well with the bio-diversity theme of our talks programme.

Brian gave a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening talk on the subject.  His talk was well planned and was received by the audience in a very positive manner.  He had the whole place rocking with laughter at some of his anecdotes and we will certainly invite him back in the near future.

Don gave us a wonderful insight into the different and beautiful habitat in Morocco.  His talk was based on three separate visits undertaken in the 1980's and left us wondering why we hadn't been there ourselves.