Today I had an enjoyable visit to Burton Mere even though there wasn't too much birdlife about apart from the odd Black Tailed Godwit and a few Redshank. (No Smew).
I saw for the first time at Burton Mere a few Siskins which were really nice, but I wonder how many children and adults would know what one is? Since watching the recent David Attenborough programmes I keep thinking more and more about what wildlife will still be around when I grow up. I no longer just enjoy wildlife, I now really want to protect it too.
This wonderful male Chaffinch was just sitting fluffed up on a branch; you may think they loook a little boring since they are common, but the bird world wouldn't make sense without them. Sadly it looks like this one had quite bad bumble foot on both feet. I learnt all about bumble foot at a recent BTO ringing demonstration.
I saw plenty of rats, which were nice to see even though people dislike them. Every part of nature has a part to play in natural life cycles; trees, birds and even ants. People shouldn't dislike rats as they are an important part of the food chain. I bet a few raptors would like a juicy rat to chew on!
Possibly one of my favourite garden birds, the Great Tit was really thriving today.
As I was walking round today, I couldn't help think about the nature days in my school which I am trying to set up. I have already told my head teacher about it and I am really interested in getting young people interested, not just for the fun of it, but for the future of it too..........
Would anyone like to be my first guest speaker in school to help me really get this going.
oh, maybe you can get andrew to help!
ReplyDeleteSorry I can't help with your request for help for a guest speaker Findlay, but whatever else you do....keep on at the head teacher about the 'nature days'.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Findlay, I hope someone local can help, good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit far away to help Findlay, but I wish you luck. Perhaps contact your local branch of Lancashire or Cheshire Nature Trust and/or local RSPB groups. You are right to worry about the future for wildlife and the best thing you can do as a personal objective is to study hard and gain the relevant qualifications so that eventually you can work in that sphere.
ReplyDeleteVery good idea Finlay, I would have loved to have time to commit to something like that and inspire the next generation as I work so much in the week and when I am off from work I am out filming by the sea. Try Dave Culley as he's local and his film about Sparrow hawks is amazing and he would really inspire your school due to working with Chris Packham and the Hawk and Owl trust.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sparrowhawk-island.co.uk/
Email him below and mention that I passed on his name to you.
Good luck
sparrowhawkisland@hotmail.com
Good luck with your quest for a speaker Findlay.
ReplyDeleteWhat about that nice Mr Packham, or Mr Lindo? Ask your mum to 'tweet' them, and see if they can help.
Findlay, I've just been reading a blog by Mark Avery at http://markavery.info apparently at the BTO meeting this weekend they were discussing the numbers of younger members of the BTO, so maybe someone from the BTO or even Mark Avery perhaps. Not sure what your school is like but how about a demonstration of bird ringing by the BTO?
ReplyDeleteLove to come and speak to your school but you're just a bit too far. Try asking the Project Officer for the (Cheshire) Saltscapes Project - he's brilliant
ReplyDeleteGood luck
Cheers
Davo
Hello Findlay, really enjoyed your post, that's such a good idea and Gary would be very happy to come along as a speaker, he does this sort of thing at his local high school at work. You're so right about all animals having their place - even rats! Good on you for promoting this sort of thing at your school, well done, hope you've had a good weekend
ReplyDeleteThe RSPB have school talks volunteers, the school could contact them to see if they have any in your area.
ReplyDeleteJust letting you know we are launching a wildlife photography competition at http://www.gowildlifewatching.co.uk/newfile888.html
ReplyDeleteI am just about to enter it, I saw it on your blog before.
DeleteGreat post, looks and sounds like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteHello - this is a message for Findlay Wilde's mum or dad. I'm working on a BBC series and wondered if you might be able to drop me a line on jess.winteringham@bbc.co.uk.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much.
Jess