Notes of the February 2010 meeting.

The year end print-offs were put on view and Jackie was thanked for her vast amount of work in getting them to booklet form.

Rena reported on the group's outing to Loch Ryan led by Paul Tarling. Four locations were visited and many birds, not seen in the South Rhins, were spotted. They were there due to the eel grass in the Loch. We saw a pale bellied Brent goose but not the dark bellied one which had been reported in the area. Hundreds of pink footed geese entertained us on their flight to feeding grounds in Ayrshire. The highlight was seeing a pure white (leucitic) oyster catcher.

Throughout the day, Paul gave us interesting facts about all the birds. We hope to repeat the outing before too long.

Back to home page

© Kirkmaiden Natural History Group 2010

Back to top of page or index page

Dark bellied Brent goose

© Andreas Trepte, www.photo-natur.de

Our speaker this month was Ian Burrett from Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network. (SSACN) He gave us a fascinating insight into the work of this charity which is fighting to ensure fish for the future. In the past all fish were landed, mainly by commercial fishing boats, irrespective of how rare they were. It was sad to hear that there are large areas in Luce Bay that are just left with dogfish and whiting. Under the forthcoming Marine Protected Areas legislation some areas off Scotland’s seas are to be rested and Ian hopes to have Luce Bay designated as an MPA. Sea angling brings millions of pounds into the local economy and this could be lost if fish conservation is not put into practice. Ian's angling business operates a catch and release policy and he hopes all other anglers will do the same.
Next he told us of the local 'Shark-a-tag' programme and how the fish are tagged. Last year this event went out on national television, raising the awareness of the need for conservation. The tagging will be repeated 18th and 19th June and needs local support. Ian ended his presentation by showing photos of fish found in the area which drew gasps as we were unaware such colourful fish were beneath our waves.
A lively debate then followed and Ian was thanked for bringing all these matters to our attention. More at www.ssacn.org

See a video of ‘Sharkatag’ below.

During members' finds Sue and Barbara handed Alex a very unusual shell. So unusual that it has made the press and will have an article in the conchology magazine. Find out more at the next meeting, March 8th, 2pm in Clashwhannon.

Chairman's welcome, updates and reports.
Future events including more info on Wild Goose Chase
Presentation by Mark Pollitt on Amphibians
Members' finds and discussions
Date of next meeting

Hope you are all getting out and about in the better weather.
Happy foraging,
Rena
 

Ian Burrett with a ‘spurdog’

Ian operates a strict ‘catch and release’ policy.