BIRDING EVENTS

FEBRUARY

9: Wigan RSPB Local Group Big Twitch Day – teams compete to observe the greatest number of species. More details at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/wigan

10: New Year guided walk, Lakenheath Fen RSPB, 10.15am-1pm. Kickstart the new year and burn off some of those Christmas calories! Highlights may include Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and maybe even Cranes and Bitterns. £4 adults, £2 children. Half-price for RSPB members. Booking essential, tel: 01842 863 400; e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk

10: London NHS trip to Bedfont Lakes for Teal, Snipe, Kingfisher, woodpeckers. Bittern and Smew possible. Meet 10am Hatton Cross Station, then H26 bus. Bring snack.

20: London NHS trip to Beddington SF for Tree Sparrow, Green Sandpiper, Jack Snipe and Water Pipit. Meet 9.30am, Hackbridge Station. Wellies recommended.

21: Improving Birders, Titchwell Marsh RSPB, 9.30am. Aimed at people looking to improve their birding skills – a slide show about equipment and bird ID, followed by some birding. Up to four hours, £12 non-members, £11 members. Booking essential, tel: 01485 210 779. For more information, see www.rspb.org.uk/titchwell

23: Wigan Local RSPB Group visit to the Fylde Coast, 8am. More details at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/wigan

24: London NHS trip to Wandsworth Common for winter birds. Meet 9.30am ticket office Wandsworth Common Station.

30: Central London RSPB day trip to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Meet 10am at Sevenoaks Station. No entrance charge but donations welcome. No need to book.

30: London NHS trip to Cheshunt for Goldeneye, Goosander, Water Rail and perhaps Smew. Meet 10am, Cheshunt Station. Bring lunch.

30-31: Get ready for Big Garden Bird Watch, at Fairburn Ings RSPB. Kids’ activities, hints and tips on birdwatching, and how to keep your garden birds happy. Free. For details, call 01977 628 191, e-mail fairburn.ings@rspb.org.uk, or visit www.rspb.org.uk/fairburnings