BIRDING EVENTS

OCTOBER

2 & 26: Birdwatching for Beginners, RSPB Minsmere, 9.30am. Learn how to use binoculars properly and which field guides are best for you, then use this information to enjoy watching birds. Adults £7, RSPB members £5, children half-price. Places limited, booking essential. Call 01728 648 281.

3: Wildlife Walk for Members, London Wetland Centre, 1pm-2.30pm, £2. Highlights may include swans, fungi and Rock Pipits. WWT members only. Booking is essential, call 020 8409 4400.

3: Introduction to the Wildlife of the Alde Estuary, Snape Maltings, 11am. Join an RSPB guide to learn about the beautiful Alde Estuary. These walks coincide with the regular farmers markets, giving you the chance to shop for local produce too. No booking required. Donation requested. Meet at the RSPB Wildlife Information Centre on the quay at Snape Maltings. Adults £7, RSPB members £5, children half-price. Call 01728 648 281.

5, 16 & 21: Discovering Minsmere, 9.30am. Learn about the reserve’s birds and other wildlife, as well as the habitats and how they’re managed. Adults £7, RSPB members £5, children half-price. Places limited, booking essential. Call 01728 648 281.

10: Digi-scoping demonstration, RSPB Minsmere, 10am-4pm, free. Ever wanted to take excellent wildlife photos with your compact digital camera? Talk to our experts about how to attach your camera to a telescope and discover the art of digi-scoping. There will be a selection of products to try and buy.

17-18: Garden bird feeding roadshow, Snape Maltings, 10am-4pm. Pick up tips on bird feeding and wildlife gardening from the RSPB’s experts, at RSPB Wildlife Information Centre at Snape Maltings.

17: London NHS trip to Amwell for autumn migrants and wildfowl. Meet 10am at St. Margaret’s Station. Bring lunch (no toilets).

24-25: Feed the birds weekend, RSPB Minsmere, 10am-3pm. Pick up tips on bird feeding and wildlife gardening from the RSPB’s experts. There will be a wide range of bird food, feeders and nestboxes available to buy, with special offers.

24-Nov 1: Half-term holiday activities, RSPB Lakenheath, 10am-3pm. Activities for families. Free, no need to book. Call 01842 863 400 for further details.

24-25: Feed the Birds Weekend, Wat Tyler CP, 10am-4pm. Make sure your garden or park is bird-friendly by providing food, water and shelter for your feathered friends. Join us for fun activities and make a bird feeder fat log to take home! Free admission, small charge for some activities.

25: Feed the Birds Day, RSPB Lakenheath, 11am-2.30pm. Discover what you can do to help birds survive the winter. Free, no need to book. Call 01842 863 400 for further details.

27: Autumn Family Fun at Wat Tyler CP, Essex, 10am-4pm. Follow the autumn trail, collect the clues, and enter our free draw to win a funky bird feeder! Free admission, small charge for some activities.

27: Feed the Birds Day at Freiston Centre for Environmental Education (FCEE), Lincs, 10am-3pm. £10 per person, including lunch. Booking is essential for both children and accompanying adults. Please call FCEE directly to book, on 01205 761 1007.

28: Feed the Birds Day: Make a bird feeder, RSPB Minsmere, 10.30am-2.30pm. Get ready to feed your garden birds with craft activities, including the chance to make your own feeders and bird cake. Learn more about the types of food to put out to attract birds to your garden. All materials supplied. Cost £5 per child, accompanying adults £1. Places limited. Booking essential. Call 01728 648 281.

29: Owl pellet dissection, Snape Maltings, 10am-4pm. Dissect an owl pellet to discover what it had for dinner. Donation requested. Meet in the RSPB Wildlife Information Centre at Snape Maltings.

29: Illustrated talk by James Chubb, EDDC’s Education Ranger, providing behind-the-scenes look at his favourite wildlife spectacles in East Devon, 7.30pm, All Saints Church Hall, Sidmouth. Non-members welcome. £3 for members and £4 for non-members. More details at www.exeter-rspb.org.uk