Calendar for 2010/11
WSRS combined winter/spring field meeting
4th – 7th March 2011
As part of the society's ongoing commitment to deliver different recording opportunities to our members, the officers elected to combine the winter and spring field meetings for 2011. The meeting will be held at Deepdale Granary Hostel in Burnham Deepdale which is not far from Holkham, Wells, Snettisham and Titchwell on the north Norfolk coast. The accommodation is just off the coast road (A149) http://www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/.
We held our 2010 winter meeting there in February and although the weather was ‘variable’ there were good recording opportunities to record Pink-footed geese, Curlew, Cormorants, Shelduck, Lapwing as well as resident songsters such as Robin and Dunnock. There were also fantastic opportunities to see thousands of Knot flying in, which was more of an ‘experience’ than simply a spectacle.
Holding the meeting in early spring will enable members to record both winter migrant waterfowl as well as the spring songs of resident passerines. Having already experienced the Deepdale centre, I can tell you that it is comfortable and homely and promotes a cosy atmosphere in which to chat and share sound recording experiences. Although it is self-catering accommodation, next door there is a superb cafe which serves an excellent range of breakfasts for those who have had a busy morning recording! Access to the salt-marsh is a short walk just across the road. Nature reserves and recording spots abound in the area and are just short drives away. A booking form for the meeting is available from the Members' Area of the website or by clicking here.
WSRS Spring meeting 2010
Images © Mike Oates 2010
Fri 14th– Mon 17th May 2010
This spring our field meeting was held at Ennerdale Water in Cumbria. The weather was fantastic for much of the time which meant there were good opportunities to get out in the woodlands and lakeside habitats which were just a short walk from the accommodation. The birds were in good song with common woodland species mingling with the more specialist species of upland woodland and open country such as Common Redstart and Wheatear. The star of the weekend was a Common Whitethroat who was so accommodating that the use of a reflector was almost unnecessary.
Not only were there good recording opportunities but it was a great opportunity to discuss different approaches to recording, comparing the performance of each others’ recording rigs. Which is one of the real benefits of meeting up with fellow recordists.
Here are just a few images from the weekend. A fuller report with more
images will appear in the next issue of our journal Wildlife Sound.
AGM and Members Day at Cottesmore Village Hall, Rutland.
Sat 3 July 2010
The 2010 Members’ Day was a great success, there was a real buzz of enthusiasm throughout the day. The venue was new to us but proved exceptionally good and with a fine pub just yards away! As always the day was an ideal occasion to exchange information on sound recording as well as to catch up with old friends.
The afternoon was packed with a bioacoustics talk on Blackbird song plus a presentation on the WSRS website. A sound quiz challenged us all but perhaps the highlight was the annual WSRS Competition award ceremony. Once again there were some excellent recordings and worthy winners.
WSRS is most grateful to its sponsors:
SOUND NETWORK who generously provided
a prize of equipment for the overall, SILVER FOX, winner and EDIROL
for providing a prize for the winner of the RESTRICTED Category.
Listen to the Silver Fox winner
Duetting Cranes
Listen to the RESTRICTED category winner
Garden Warbler
Future year’s proposals
A change to the spring meeting routine was proposed for 2011 with a weeklong trip to Stokholm, and in 2013 with a further weeklong trip, this time to Islay, while in 2012 it is suggested that there be a long-weekend spring meeting, venue still to be decided.
