Birdwatching Group

CONTACT: Andrew Lapworth
07962 038052
Email Convenor
WHEN: 3rd Monday of each month
  See Calendar for dates of meetings.

We meet most months, usually on the third Monday. Venues are chosen by group members. We try to visit good local sites in Teesdale, especially in the Spring and early summer months. In Autumn and Winter we will aim to travel further afield (weather permitting) to coastal sites. Recent venues have included RSPB reserves at Saltholme and Leighton Moss, Durham Wildlife Trust’s Low Barns and Rainton Meadows,  Bowlees and Widdybank Farm in Upper Teesdale, and Deepdale wood in Barnard Castle.

HOW?

For most trips we try to share car transport to sites, meeting outside the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. Our normal meetings start around 09.00 hrs and depending on venue, are for half or a full day out. We always try to include venues with a cafe and toilet, although there are none on some sites.  It’s always important to wear outdoor clothing and footwear suitable for the weather. We walk at a gentle pace, stopping frequently to listen and look for birds. Some sites involve rough and wet paths; usually we are on level grounds but there are occasional short inclines. 

WHAT DO I NEED?

Binoculars are the key thing to bring and use; at some sites a telescope and tripod are useful; most times the leader will have one. Bring sandwiches and drinks for lunch and snacks according to taste!  A camera and long lens if you want to try taking photos of the birds we might see.

IS IT FOR ME?

We aim to cater for anyone with an interest in identifying birds; we like to share observations. We look at common birds and rarer ones. We are not “twitchers”!

Please contact the Convenor to join our group and to receive details of meetings.

Please let the Convenor know if you intend to be there. Then they can make contact if the event has to be cancelled

The full programme is detailed in the Calendar but please check details with the Convenor.