The primary aim of RNBWS is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and observations of seabirds, and of landbirds at sea, by members for whom Birdwatching is first and foremost a hobby, and to provide advice and support to make best use of such opportunities at sea. The secondary aim is to co-ordinate the efforts of individual members using standardised recording methods, so that observations can be of value to the professional ornithologist ashore. RNBWS has close links with many other Organisations and Societies around the world.RNBWS has built up a reporting system using standardised recording forms - passage reports covering both seabirds and landbirds, seabirds census sheets, and for birds examined in the hand. The society has established a number of local representatives, both in home ports and in ports overseas, to provide a focus for Birdwatching activities when in harbour, or ashore.

RNBWS 2008 Field Programme - Mark Cutts

Please note: Mark Cutts is to deploy to Afghanistan shortly for 6 months. It is therefore most important that anyone who wishes to take part in any of these trips must contact the Gen Sec to get an update on whether they will run or not.

January 5th 12:00 (Saturday)

New Forest
An afternoon /early evening jaunt through the New Forest starting at Eyeworth pond for possible Goosander, mandarin and all the woodland specialities. Moving through the forest stopping at Crab Tree Earth/Holm Hill for the (hopefully) annual Great Grey Shrike and finishing at Blackwater Arboretum for Hawfinch, Brambling and Redpoll.

Meet at the Car Park next to Eyeworth Pond SU229145
(Directions can be supplied by e-mail if required)

February 10th 10:00 (Sunday)

Slimbridge
A day out at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.  An excellent venue for Swans and Geese, Bewick’s, White-fronted and possibly Tundra Bean should be present.
Please note that this venue has an admission charge for non-members of the trust.

Meet at the reserve Car park SO7204

April 18th – 20th

Portland
Our usual Spring weekend at this classic location.  Summer migrants and more with Warblers, Hirundines and the usual seabirds passing the bill. With hopefully the bonus of a few rarities.
Accommodation will be organised for those that require it, at the observatory.  Early confirmation is appreciated.

June 8th – 10th

Farne Islands, Northumberland
For those interested, a weekend in the north of the country.
Staying at Seahouses village the weekend will involve a visit to Holy Island and an all day pelagic to the islands of Inner Farne and Staple for close views of breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Eider Ducks, 4 species of Tern and a staggering 70,000 Puffins (Give or take a few!)
Please note there is a charge for the pelagic and the National trust charge a landing fee on the islands.
More details to follow for those interested.

September 12th  – 14th

Portsmouth – Bilbao Ferry
I am in the process of negotiation but all being well, this will involve the weekend crossing through the Bay of Biscay, a few hours in Bilbao and return.
In conjunction with the BDRP (Biscay Dolphin Research Programme) team the weekend pelagic should provide some autumn migrants,  many varieties of seabirds and various cetaceans.
There may be a cost but more information will follow for those interested.

October 12th – 14th

Portland
An easy weekend with a weeknd stay for those interested or just a one day meet on the Saturday to finish the year’s outings.
The usual fall migrants will be present alongside all the other attractions that Portland and Weymouth have to offer.

For further information contact Mark Cutts or the Gen Sec. 

Detailed forecast of RNBWS Activities for 2008:
Forecast of Activities for RNBWS, AOS and RAFOS (not available):
Reporting Sheet: