[Black Wheatear]

Very soon we are to get a brand new bird group and the name is Andalucia Bird Club. The group will be sending e-newsletters 4 times each year and producing an annual report. The website they are constructing will also give details of latest sightings and will accept recent trip reports from around what is a very large area - Andalucia. Should be really interesting. They intend to co-ordinate national survey and project work for English speaking residents here and hope to organise monthly field trips. I will post any further information as and when I get it, but the field trips could interest those coming here on holiday as could the keeping up to date on local news.

[John Cantelo]

I hope that, as you've made this a seperate post, it generates the interest that it should. As commented previously, I'm very interested in this idea and pleased to see it taking shape. There are relatively few 'native' birders in Spain and involving the increasing ex-pat community (and visitors) makes good sense. It's something I was hoping to explore once I retired and am delighted that someone else has the same idea!

Best wishes to all involved in the idea,
John

[Firetail]

Originally Posted by John Cantelo

I hope that, as you've made this a seperate post, it generates the interest that it should. As commented previously, I'm very interested in this idea and pleased to see it taking shape. There are relatively few 'native' birders in Spain and involving the increasing ex-pat community (and visitors) makes good sense. It's something I was hoping to explore once I retired and am delighted that someone else has the same idea!

Best wishes to all involved in the idea,
John

I could not agree more. Great idea and like John says I hope it generates the interest that it should. I suppose you will get the negatives such as why don't the visiting or resident non-natives speak Spanish, but then again, although not bad at Spanish, I've tried weighing through a few SEO publications and the language does for me! As a frequent visitor I would be extremely interested in becoming a member when it is up and running. Any idea of timescales Peter?

Good luck to those pioneers and I await the launch!

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by Firetail

I could not agree more. Great idea and like John says I hope it generates the interest that it should. I suppose you will get the negatives such as why don't the visiting or resident non-natives speak Spanish, but then again, although not bad at Spanish, I've tried weighing through a few SEO publications and the language does for me! As a frequent visitor I would be extremely interested in becoming a member when it is up and running. Any idea of timescales Peter?

Good luck to those pioneers and I await the launch!

Pleased both you and John agree it is a good idea. I think it will prove very useful to have an organisation in Andalucia that will co-ordinate records for the 8 provinces. At the moment we only have a few local groups of the national SEO (I am a founder member of our local SEO group) who really do not pull their observations together for the region. Also it will be interesting to see how many non-spanish as well as spanish get involved with this new organisation. As a ringer it would be good to see, for instance, if the groups and individuals operating in Andalucia pool their annual records and so give a collective for the whole region.

With a great many non-spanish speaking entusiasts here and also visitors, then it could be of interest to those same people to be able to make a contribution to the better understanding of Andalucian birdlife. I know the founders are hopeful that visitors will add their past and present trip reports to their Blog(forum).

I have been asked to point out that the launch will be going ahead before the end of September 2008 and the title is now to be the Andalucia Bird Society. The organisers have also ask if members of Birdforum would comment on their 'work in progress' website and forum/blog please, either on their blog or here on this thread. Any constructive remarks would be most welcome.

The addresses are as follows:

Website (do not add www): http://abcandalusia.googlepages.com/

Forum/Blog: http://abcandalucia.blogspot.com/

Thank you one and all for your interest.

[Firetail]

Originally Posted by Black Wheatear

Pleased both you and John agree it is a good idea. I think it will prove very useful to have an organisation in Andalucia that will co-ordinate records for the 8 provinces. At the moment we only have a few local groups of the national SEO (I am a founder member of our local SEO group) who really do not pull their observations together for the region. Also it will be interesting to see how many non-spanish as well as spanish get involved with this new organisation. As a ringer it would be good to see, for instance, if the groups and individuals operating in Andalucia pool their annual records and so give a collective for the whole region.

With a great many non-spanish speaking entusiasts here and also visitors, then it could be of interest to those same people to be able to make a contribution to the better understanding of Andalucian birdlife. I know the founders are hopeful that visitors will add their past and present trip reports to their Blog(forum).

I have been asked to point out that the launch will be going ahead before the end of September 2008 and the title is now to be the Andalucia Bird Society. The organisers have also ask if members of Birdforum would comment on their 'work in progress' website and forum/blog please, either on their blog or here on this thread. Any constructive remarks would be most welcome.

The addresses are as follows:

Website (do not add www): http://abcandalusia.googlepages.com/

Forum/Blog: http://abcandalucia.blogspot.com/

Thank you one and all for your interest.

I have already sent a few photos to the Society for their use on the website and hope to be able to supply more if and when required. BTW very good website and my only reservation is the use of American bird names for the proper English ones within the Andalucia Checklist!!!! The website looks good, but are they intending to add a few more pages i.e. Diary etc.?

Bit surprised others from the forum who visit the southern part of Spain are not voicing support for what is a great idea/concept, why I wonder? I will add the support footer to my posts!

You can put me down for membership and just let me know (PM) when subs are due.

Best wishes and luck

[John Cantelo]

Yes, I too have reservations about the use of American names and have emailed the society to that effect. It seems to me that the case for employing current UK usage in this respect is overwhelming as a) it's what current anglophone fieldguides to the area use and b) most English speaking birders visiting the area will be British not American. I also feel that the bird list is not as comprehensive as it should be. However, I must stress that this is mere nitpicking and this initiative must be welcomed and warmly supported,

John

[Barred Wobbler]

Good news, Peter. Looks very interesting.

I see that the flamingos failed this year at Fuente de Piedra (it was almost dry when I was there in late February), but good news elsewhere. It had been reported that breeding had failed on the Ebro Delta as well, but Iben Sorenson has posted elsewhere on BirdForum today that the delta population has had second thoughts and they have resumed nesting.

Looking forward to a trip to the south in September, but I've not been able to get anything planned yet.

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by Alan Seaton

Good news, Peter. Looks very interesting.

I see that the flamingos failed this year at Fuente de Piedra (it was almost dry when I was there in late February), but good news elsewhere. It had been reported that breeding had failed on the Ebro Delta as well, but Iben Sorenson has posted elsewhere on BirdForum today that the delta population has had second thoughts and they have resumed nesting.

Looking forward to a trip to the south in September, but I've not been able to get anything planned yet.

Hi Alan, the news on the disaster for Flamingos at Fuente de Piedra can be found on a piece I have done for the ABS on the following link: http://abcandalusia.googlepages.com/latestnews

Hope you can make your arrangements for a trip in September and if you need any latest info please do not hesitate to ask.

Originally Posted by Firetail

I have already sent a few photos to the Society for their use on the website and hope to be able to supply more if and when required. BTW very good website and my only reservation is the use of American bird names for the proper English ones within the Andalucia Checklist!!!! The website looks good, but are they intending to add a few more pages i.e. Diary etc.?

Bit surprised others from the forum who visit the southern part of Spain are not voicing support for what is a great idea/concept, why I wonder? I will add the support footer to my posts!

You can put me down for membership and just let me know (PM) when subs are due.

Best wishes and luck

Thanks for the photos Derek. If any other forum members can donate any photos for the website library the ABS would be extremely grateful. A very big thank you for putting your support for the Andalucia Bird Society on your signature.

More pages are due to be added to the website as it is a ‘work-in-progress’ site at the moment. I know a diary page is planned along with pages for all the provinces, so watch this space!

Thanks.

Originally Posted by John Cantelo

Yes, I too have reservations about the use of American names and have emailed the society to that effect. It seems to me that the case for employing current UK usage in this respect is overwhelming as a) it's what current anglophone fieldguides to the area use and b) most English speaking birders visiting the area will be British not American. I also feel that the bird list is not as comprehensive as it should be. However, I must stress that this is mere nitpicking and this initiative must be welcomed and warmly supported,
John

Hi John, Thanks for the offer to revise the checklist and do the corrections and additions. What a star!

Again thanks to one and all for your continuing interest. If anyone has any constructive ideas on what more should or could be included on the website please let me know. ABS site address below.

Cheers

[Black Wheatear]

We are currently taking a look at new logo ideas for the ABS, so thought I would post here an idea and ask for opinions and any better ideas??

[Steve Lister]

Is a courser logo really suitable? What is the status of the species? Not something that springs to mind when Andalucia is mentioned.

Steve

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by Steve Lister

Is a courser logo really suitable? What is the status of the species? Not something that springs to mind when Andalucia is mentioned.

Steve

Hi Steve, Yep could be unsuitable, but has attempted to breed the last 2 years! Other birds on the list for consideration are Woodchat Shrike, White-headed Duck, Crested Coot, Black-shouldered(winged) Kite and of course Black Wheatear!

Think of any others that should be considered?

(Off thread, just returned from N Coast Morocco inc. Massa and found no cheap accommodation!)

[Alf King]

Originally Posted by Firetail

Bit surprised others from the forum who visit the southern part of Spain are not voicing support for what is a great idea/concept, why I wonder?

I visit Andalucia about once a year on average and have just found this thread. The concept is indeed interesting but I suspect that the usual parsimony of birders tends to apply when it comes to becoming a member.

The benefits aren't clearly obvious to anyone not already involved and the cost of 25 euro is a little high to simply pay up in optimistic expectation: this is more than would be paid for a local bird club, for example. Somehow the web site needs to be both more informative and tantalising; at present it seems to cater for "those in the know" rather than someone with a more casual interest. There are many demands for the birders pound (or euro) nowadays and a more compelling reason needs to be made for membership.

I do hope that the organisation is a success and simply offer these comments as constructive criticism.

[desgreene]

I must have missed this discussion earlier this year. I mainly bird in the south eastern end of the province. I'll definitely be joining and look forward to adding my sightings to the database.

Des.

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by Alf King

I visit Andalucia about once a year on average and have just found this thread. The concept is indeed interesting but I suspect that the usual parsimony of birders tends to apply when it comes to becoming a member.

The benefits aren't clearly obvious to anyone not already involved and the cost of 25 euro is a little high to simply pay up in optimistic expectation: this is more than would be paid for a local bird club, for example. Somehow the web site needs to be both more informative and tantalising; at present it seems to cater for "those in the know" rather than someone with a more casual interest. There are many demands for the birders pound (or euro) nowadays and a more compelling reason needs to be made for membership.

I do hope that the organisation is a success and simply offer these comments as constructive criticism.

Dear Alf,

Thank you for your comments and indeed taken as intended i.e. constructive criticism.

The web site is very much a work in progress at the moment and several features are planned for future inclusion i.e. Provincial bird site details, reports and members and guests forum. We are looking to rebuild the site with a dedicated server and thereby allow for members blog hosting as well as a forum area. Hopefully, with more members, we will receive more contributions and the site will become more informative to both ‘those in the know’ and the casual visitor alike.

I take your point about the membership fee at 25 euros being a little on the high side and for as long as we are of a small membership, then demands remain greater for this kind of amount. Bit of a catch 22, but hopefully with greater numbers joining, so will our annual membership fee become less (we are hopeful of getting down to nearer 15 euros per year based on a membership of 300+).

Thank you Alf for your interest and hope we might lure you into membership at some point in the future!!

Peter

Originally Posted by desgreene

I must have missed this discussion earlier this year. I mainly bird in the south eastern end of the province. I'll definitely be joining and look forward to adding my sightings to the database.

Des.

Thanks Des for your encouraging post and hopefully see you at some stage during one of your visits here.

[Stephen C]

Good idea, just tagging a message in so I get the update notification.

Too ill to say more but all the best with the project

[desgreene]

Peter, is the e-mail address abcandalusia 'at' gmail.com on the website correct?

I sent an e-mail asking about membership but have heard nothing back so far.

Cheers,
Des.

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by desgreene

Peter, is the e-mail address abcandalusia'AT'gmail.com on the website correct?

I sent an e-mail asking about membership but have heard nothing back so far.

Cheers,
Des.

Hi Des,

As far as the above is concerned then yep, you have the right email address. If you don't hear anything, then let me know.

[Black Wheatear]

Originally Posted by Stephen C

Good idea, just tagging a message in so I get the update notification.

Too ill to say more but all the best with the project

Thanks for the good wishes Stephen, but sounds like you might better need mine! Hope illness is nothing too serious??

[Firetail]

Hi Peter,

Came across these pearls of wisdom on Andy Paterson's blog and thought it would perhaps explain the society's conception a little better?

"The Andalucía Bird Society is a newly formed group, pan-Andalucían in scope, which is basically for the resident foreign birder and visitor whose knowledge of and fluency in Spanish is not of the best. It should be emphasised that the society aims to cooperate with and work within the framework of Spanish birding, not as a separate and independent entity, but one which simply draws together the non-Spanish birder, hopefully into cooperative projects, with local Spanish birders (who often suffer the same language problem with regard to English).

Of course the new group also welcomes Spanish birders and all other nationals!

At the present, the Society has two sites worth visiting, even though the first is still in the process of construction, which outline the aims of the society and have the first postings.

http://abcandalusia.googlepages.com and the blog http://abcandalusia.blogspot.com "

Hope my post is not interpreted as being cheeky!

[John Cantelo]

As Peter knows I've been fiddling around trying to produce a logo for a little while, but "lost" them somewhere on my computer. However, I've now relocated one of them which (hopefully) I've attached. I tend to agree that Cream-coloured Courser isn't ideal and my first thought was for a common yet emblematic bird like Woodchat - hence the design. This was a rather more complex design than earlier efforts since it's supposed (but fails) to incorporate a diagramatic representation of Iberia & the location of Andalucia.

I also produced a bright pink version which featured a Flamingo and which, with it's black bill tip invading the pink border, was rather modelled on the current KOS logo - unfortunately I concluded that pink isn't a strong enough colour. I also tried to design one with Little and/or W-R Swift ...... but found I can't draw swifts! I'm currently trying to do something (!) with a displaying W-H Duck and a Black Wheatear.

Anyone else who wants to join in, please do!

John

[Black Wheatear]

Revising web site and could use some advice from folk on content. Can you suggest what else would be condidered useful and helpful content to resident and visiting birders?

Please see www.andalusiabirdsociety.org

Grateful for suggestions.

[Black Wheatear]

John C has done a mock-up of an alternative logo for the society incorporating White-headed Duck. Be very grateful if folk could give an opinion, valued forumers that you are. BTW Andalusia on the logo should be spelt AndaluCia.

[Black Wheatear]

P.S. Bring back Alan Seaton! Where in the devil are you Alan?

[Stephen C]

Hi there

Just a quicky. Personally I would try and reduce the number of titles and group some of them. I find the BF list too long and to be honest I always get bored and give up whenever I try to scan through them, always ending up visiting the same places.

And I think you should include all 'finding a holiday' topics under Trip Reports as there are lots of other issues that people are interested in (and again a separate title for me is too much), e.g. going it alone, accommodation recommendations, maps, etc. apart from the obvious.

Sorry for brevity, have to babysit...hence this..

[John Cantelo]

I would reduce the suggested areas by subsuming some as follows:-
*Say Hello* - Introduce yourself - say a few lines about yourself & where you live

*Bird News - News and discussion of rarities, movements and conservation

*Birds & Your Birding Day (inc Your Patch) * - General Forum for threads on birds and birding

*Bird Identification Q&A* - Ask away for advice on bird i.d. questions. PLEASE state area of sighting in title of request.

*Ringing/Banding* Questions and Answers on this important topic

*Trip Reports (inc site details)* - Please feel free to leave reports here after your trip.

*Tips For New Birders* - Advice, tips and hints for birders of all levels, from birders of all levels!

Member's Area* - Community Notice Board *
*Sub-Forums:* Chat Room Diary, Bird Clubs & Groups, ABS Forum Member's Meetings & Car Sharing

John