Founded 1889 – Affiliated to Yorkshire Naturalists' Union
2016 – February 23rd
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON: 23rd February 2016
VENUE: University of Hull Scarborough Campus. ATTENDANCE: 23 Members & guests.
CHAIRMAN: John Hume, President.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(s): Minutes from 26th January were presented on screen and accepted.
MATTERS ARISING: None.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: The Treasurer had received a cheque for £500 as a bequest from the estate of Gwenda Wadsworth. The Secretary asked members to think about how the bequest should be used. The secretary was to write to Mrs Wadsworth daughter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
RECORDS AND REPORTS:
Janice Morritt reported 5 harbour porpoise off the Castle Headland. 2 dog foxes had been seen chasing a vixen on the headland. Black-necked grebe was still at the harbour and kingfisher at the open Air theatre. A rock pipit was on the castle Headland and 2 peregrines were on their plucking perch there. A dead female barn owl was seen on the Malton by-pass.
Pauline Popely reported scarlet elf cup fungi in Deepdale.
Ian Glaves had 1000 starlings roosting in trees at Sawdon.
Frank Sheader had buzzards feeding of carrion in the garden but unusually a peregrine had also been trying to take it.
Louise Thompson had marsh marigold and green hellebore in flower near Ayton and had seen 7 red kite north of Wykeham.
John Hume reported that tawny owl which had not been seen for some time made a brief appearance in his garden. Goldcrest and a flock of long-tailed tit had also been seen. The nest box at Forge Valley feeding station was occupied by blue tits.
Grahem Sykes reported woodpeckers had been drumming for some time.
SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING:
Carl Barrimore from the BTO spoke about
‘The BTO Nest Recording Programme’
Carl described the important work of the programme in understanding nest productivity, timing and other aspects of bird behaviour. He described how the work was carried out, the care taken and the training available.
Following questions from members the President gave the vote of the thanks for a very interesting and informative talk and announced the date of the next meeting as 22nd March.