Just a reminder that Upton Warren's Spring All-Day Birdwatch takes place next Saturday (4th May). This now annual event has become a mainstay of the reserve's calender as we attempt to record as many species as possible during the course of the day. The experience has been heightened in recent years with a bit of friendly rivalry with a number of other leading West Midlands' birding locations (Belvide, Middleton Lakes, Marsh Lane). Lists of the birds recorded during the course of the day will be outside the main hide at the Flashes and the West Hide at the Moors Pool; hopefully this year the lists will coincide
Birders will be on site from first light (and probably beforehand to secure that vital Tawny Owl - and calling Spotted / Baillon's Crake ...?) with a presence on site throughout the day until dark. The day has developed into something of a culinary feast with a mid morning fry-up breakfast served in the concrete hide and an assortment of cakes on offer to keep flagging spirits high during the long afternoon. If anyone wants to contribute any food to the day its probably best to drop a PM to Mike (Wheatearlp) to see if anything is required.
I sure Mike will post some stats of previous totals and a tick sheet of birds previously encountered on the Spring All-Dayer as he has done in recent years.
In a new innovation this year we are undertaking a bit of fund-raising associated with the All-Dayer, using it as a sponsered birdwatch. We are happy to accept donations to the reserve's fighting fund (used for the purchase of tools and materials to assist the work parties) based on the total day list, your own personal list or any other way of calculating a sum you may deem fit :t:
As mentioned earlier in the week we are also busting a gut to get the 2012 Annual Report ready for sale. This 56 page A5 publication features around 40 photographs - many thanks to all who have contributed their work - and will be on sale for £2.50 with all proceeds going to the reserve's fund. Mike will also have some back issues for those who either holes in their catalogue or have only just discovered Upton Warren and want to know more about its recent sightings.
A look at the weather for a week's time suggests that the wind will move round to the east from around Thursday which may prove interesting; we will manipulate the sluice at the Flashes to drop the water level a little (not too much) and expose more fresh mud.
Please come and enjoy the birds, the day, the reserve, the company and the banter - its a great way to meet people who you may have corresponded with on this Forum, perhaps even walked by at Upton but never actually conversed with.