Bird News and Birdwatching Events

Do you think you have what it takes to make the next Planet Earth?
BBC One is looking for nine people to take part in the experience of a lifetime.   Encountering extraordinary animals in amazing locations and testing yourself to the limit, this series will culminate with one exceptional individual securing a years placement at the BBC’s award winning, world famous Natural History Unit. 

Would your holiday of a lifetime involve seeing one of the big five in their natural habitat?  Maybe your weekends are spent volunteering at your local animal sanctuary? Are your cupboards crammed full of wildlife videos?  Do you get up at dawn to catch a song from the rare bittern?

Whatever your age and background, as long as you can illustrate your passion for the natural world we want to hear from you. 

To apply, please email your name to endsoftheearth@bbc.co.uk and an application form will be emailed to you.

Deadline for applications 26/11/08.
Successful candidates may spend up to ten weeks away from home in spring 2009.

New Bird Books
Two new bird books have been published by Whittles Publishing;

• A Life of Ospreys by Roy Dennis
  
  Roy Dennis' name is so well-known, not only for his work with ospreys
  but also his international work with a variety of species. This new book
  will be essential reading for all birdwatchers and enthusiasts.
  
  
• Flight of the Wild Geese by Graham Uney
  
  Follows the migration of wild Barnacle Geese from their over-wintering
  grounds on the Solway Firth across northern seas to Svalbard in the
  Arctic Circle - and back.

Further details from www.whittlespublishing.com

Residential Bird Watching Course
Friday 26 - Sunday 28 September
SKYLARKS, SNIPES & STARLINGS                         
with Mike Dilger (of the The One Show/Springwatch, BBC)
and local ornithologist Ed Drewitt (Bristol Museum)

North Somerset provides spectacular opportunities to marvel at birds – from the mass flights of starlings that twist and turn above the Somerset Levels to the colourful winter visitors who occupy Chew Valley Lake.  Join expert birders Mike Dilger and Ed Drewitt at Avon Wildlife Trust's flagship Folly Farm nature reserve for a  relaxing weekend, exploring the area's best bird sites  and learning how to identify different species more easily.

The course fee  includes ID workshops, guided walks and excursions, food and two nights' accommodation in Folly Farm's historic and newly-refurbished bothies, overlooking the scenic Chew Valley and its lakes. Wake early to catch the dawn chorus in the adjoining 250 acres of protected woodlands and meadows. Finish the day watching the dramatic swirls of starlings coming home to roost.  

Venue: Folly Farm Wildlife Discovery Centre, Bishop Sutton, Bristol, BS39 4DW 
Cost:     £285 pp, including 2 nights B&B accommodation, packed lunches + dinner and excursions.
To book or get more info: phone 0870 122 4377 or see www.follyfarm.org

Talk - East Scotland Sea Eagles
By Claire Stewart, East Scotland Sea Eagle Officer
7.30pm at the Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, Napier University, Craiglochart, Edinburgh. Entry Fee of £3 includes Tea/Coffee & Biscuits. Contact: Tel 0131 466 7163.

East Scotland Sea Eagles is a five year project (2007-2011) returning white tailed sea eagles to East Scotland. The project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish National Heritage (SNH) and Forrestry Commission Scotland (FCS) who host the release site. The talk will cover the history of sea eales in Scotland, previous releases, the current releases and look at bird movements. This is sure to be a fantastic evening so why not come along and learn more about these spectacular birds.