EDITORIAL NOTES Autumn 2004

First of all I would like to thank Jane Dawson for the editorial work done over the last couple of years and for Jean Roberts work with the last couple of issues. This issue is organized by Jon Carter. If any member with reasonable computer skills would like to assist with newsletters please let me know as my capabilities are extremely limited.

Please note that the speaker Baz Hughes on 27 Sept needs to drive back to Slimbridge afterwards so the talk will start at 7.30 with other business afterwards.

As well as the usual reports on activities our most distant member has written an account of a harrier watch which is something special. Contributions from all members are welcome; they may not always fit in the very next copy as we limit ourselves to 14 sides for postage costs.

It is proposed that this Christmas an attempt is made to do a birdcount in each 10km square rather than the usual race.

Colour rings can provide fantastic new information like we have found with Twite over the last two years. This summer Fylde have been colouring Tree Sparrows so please look out for them and continue to report any colour ringed birds.

Yellowhammers - following last years survey a more detailed plotting of territories was attempted this year giving probably seven territories. If anyone has found any others this year outside the Hutton Roof / Farleton Knott group please let Brian Townson or Pete Crooks know.

BIRD REPORT - the 2002 report should be with this newsletter and we are trying to get back on schedule.

WEBSITE - the current LDBWS site will be closed down soon and replaced with a new one. For those who use the site the change will obviously be notified thereon.

The re-launched magazine - Birds Illustrated has some stunning photos in the Autumn 2004 issue including an article on woodpeckers by Gerard Gorman (who is our speaker next Feb) and on Siberia by Brayton Holt who spoke last session. We try to get good speakers and suggestions from members are very much appreciated.

The next newsletter will come out in January so please send contributions by 12/1/05 -Phil Holland editor.