YEALM U3A
The University of the Third Age is a self-help educational movement for people no longer in full-time employment.  It offers shared learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups.  No qualifications are required and none are given.

U3A Bird Group

The U3A Bird Group has taken off!

 

 

The first outing of the Bird Group took place on 21st April with a visit to Slapton Ley. Ten members made the trip to Slapton, in particular to see the Greater Crested Grebes’ court ship dance.

From the hide we saw a range of birds including, Greater Crested Grebes, Tufted Ducks with ducklings, Coots, Dabchicks, Swallows, Canada Geese, Herons etc. Yes we did see the Greater Crested Grebes courtship dance although not the full performance – perhaps the chilly east wind affected their level of amorousness!!

Energetic members of the Group walked along the side of the Ley and were rewarded by seeing a Kestrel hover and dive, legs outstretched, to pick up a small mammal right in front of them. A number of types of Warbler – Cetti’s, Reed, Reed Bunting and Blackcap were also identified from their birdsong. (Angela Macpherson had indexed recordings on her iPod)

The visit to Slapton concluded with a ‘slap up’ meal of the (allegedly) best fish and chips in Devon at the local pub, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The next meeting – a walk along the banks of the Yealm from Puslinch Bridge - is to be held on Tuesday 4th May: meet at The Green at 11:45 am. A picnic lunch is suggested. 

Peter Holt