“First for Britain” Phil Palmer.

Phil started by showing that the first bird references in literature were around 1100 as there were illustrations of birds in the margins of the Domesday Book, however there was no mention of them in the script.  The first time that birds appeared in print was around the time that certain species gained in importance such as falcons, which were sold after capture to falconers, and birds that were used as food.  It was only during the second half of the eighteenth century that specific interest was taken.  This was due to the increase in gentlemen starting to collect species.  Since that time and particularly with the advent of the internet the recording of first sightings has become of increasing relevance.  It was a great shame that more people didn't get the chance to hear this excellent talk but uncertainty with the weather kept many at home. 

Barry started his talk with a brief outline of the geography of Panama as a means of showing the coverage of the country that his party of friends had visited a couple of years previously.  His talk then covered the many birds that the group had seen and that Barry had so successfully photographed.  The talk was extremely fascinating at it covered a country that few of us would manage to visit on a bird trip.  As usual Barry's talk was of the very highest quality and we look forward to having him back in the future.

John gave an in depth look at the many wonders of the area on our doorstep, the Chilterns. His talk started with an outline of the geography of the area as it is today and how it has changed since WW11. From that he moved to the various chalk land features such as the chalk streams and how that has a major impact on the flora and the fauna in the area.  A full description of the flowers, insects, amphibians and birds brought the meeting to a close.  We are really fortunate in our choice of John to be our President.

“Seduction, Deception and Disguise” David Elcome.

David began by informing us that he is not an entomologist, but that he is simply interested, nay fascinated, by insects and spiders.  His talk gave a very clear insight into the various methods used for self protection, from superb camouflage to warning colouration.  A really excellent talk for our non-bird talk of the year.

"Birds of Finland and arctic Norway" Ann & Phil Farrar

A welcome return to our Group by Ann and Phil. Their joint presentation followed a tour taken by them from the southern wetlands of Finland to the northern Taiga forests followed by the Arctic tundra and coast of Norway and the Russian border. The wide range of habitats gave rise to an enthralling presentation with excellent photography. Whilst concentrating on the birds, interesting information was given on the other fauna and flora that have adapted to an existence in sometimes harsh conditions. An altogether excellent talk which left us wanting to go and see for ourselves.