Phil gave us what we have come to expect, a thoroughly interesting and well presented talk.  The quality of his photography was of the highest level.  His talk not only covered the fascinating fauna of this little known country but also gave us an insight into the history and landscape.  A well received talk.

Tony gave us a fascinating insight into the flora and fauna based on several trips to the area.  An area so near to us in Britain that makes it well worth considering undertaking.

"Feathers and Flight"  Dr Tim Seller

Tim gave us a wonderful insight into the mechanism of flight. His talk was clearly divided into two parts. The first covered the role played by feathers, starting with the insulation properties, going through the importance of appearance from the aspect of reproduction, to flight. The second part covered the mechanism of flight using aircraft as illustrative material, coming to the skill of birds and the dependence on the wing structure. He covered the difference in wings from those covering long lights over land where relatively short broad wings with a square end are best, to those over flying water. Here the necessity is for the wings to be longer, narrower with a pointed end. This zoological fact was supported by illustrations of the different methods the birds use to fly from the use of thermals over land to the use of velocity gradients over the sea. The presentation was very theoretical but explained in a very simple manner. A few slides were used but what was more significant was the large number of practical aids that clearly showed how flight and feathers work. A truly excellent evening.

"Bird Watching in Northern Oman"  Derek Moore

Derek, who was warden on Skomer until recently has one big advantage over many speakers, his son has lived in Northern Oman for the past six years and this has enabled Derek and his wife to enjoy bird watching in foreign climes over extended periods.  He is a great enthusiast and this enthusiasm came over in his talk.  Bird records for Oman are extremely limited as there are considerably less than a thousand birders living there.  Nevertheless he and his son have managed to show that a number of birds actually live there on a regular basis.  Not only is he an enthusiast, but is also an excellent photographer and this made for a wonderful evening.  It was his first visit to us and certainly we do not intend it to be his last.

Greenham Common from Military Base back to Heathland"  Ian Paine

Until recently Ian was Awareness Project Officer at Greenham Common and it was with this background that he gave us an insight into the changes that have been brought about since the area was returned to nature.  The work that was necessary was beyond belief. Thicknesses of concrete up to one and a half metres had to be removed from the runway.  A wonderful heathland habitat has now emerged and is proving exciting for bird life.  He was able to direct us to the best part of the area for our forthcoming field trip in June.  An excellent speaker on a fascinating subject.

"A Bird in its Bush - UK Birds in their Habitats" David Elcome

David, who had stepped in for John Wyatt at the lat moment, gave us a very clear insight into how birds are so very typically oriented to the habitat they use.  Whilst it was very obvious, when you heard David, it was not surprising that most of us had taken these aspects for granted.  The problems to be expected from changes in the temperature in the environment were clearly covered.  A really excellent lecture with first class slides made for a thought provoking and enjoyable evening.

6 Oct 2005

The title of John's talk was taken from a sign that seems to be everywhere in Alaska.   His talk covered the areas that he has visited and enjoyed in the past.  Excellent photographs of all forms of flora and fauna were used and this together with his excellent delivery gave a truly memorable evening for the Group.

"The Work of a Wildlife Liaison Officer"  PC Simon Towers

Simon gave an en excellent insight into the work of a Police Wildlife Liaison Officer.  His work covers the whole Thames Valley area and covers virtually all types of wildlife crime from smuggling birds to stolen wild flowers.  The talk was extremely well presented and Simon had all manner of items to illustrate his talk, from a clutch of Tufted Duck eggs to an elephants foot.  The aspect of his work that caused us the greatest shock was how much crime of this nature there is.  Simon is based in Chipping Norton and is totally dedicated to his work.  All his talks are given in his own time and at his own expense,  not being prepared to accept any reward from the group.

"Hewholes & Chatternags - the language and folklore of birds" Charles Martin

Charles gave a truly fascinating talk on the folklore surrounding birds.  His talk was given is a really professional manner which endeared him to the audience.  One person said afterwards that it was a change to have a speaker who was so fluent without having to resort to stunning photographs.