EGLETON nature reserve, Rutland, the destination for the late April field trip, proved yet again to be an idyllic area for birding with constant birdsong and a rewarding seventy-four species being identified during the visit.

Before heading homeward the birders visited a nearby woodland to hear the song of, and see, nightingales.

On Sunday, May 11, Mr. Gerry Griffiths led a well supported early morning walk in the Wyre Forest, arriving as the dawn chorus was quietening and individual birdsongs were becoming clearer. Although only twenty species were actually identified many other bird calls were heard.

Sighting of Curlew, Snipe, Red Grouse and Ring-ouzel are hoped for during the next field trip on Sunday, June 8, when the destinations will be RSPB coombes vally nature reserve, Apesford and Knotbury, which is off the A53 Leek to Bruxton road. The initial meeting point is the RSPB reserve car park at 10.00am. For further details contact 01562 829078.

The next indoor meeting will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2008.

Anyone interested in Wildlife, birdlife and conservation in general is always welcome to join both our indoor meetings and field trips. For details or further information visit the WMBC website www.westmidland-birdclub.com or contact 01562 67748.