Skaill Open Day……From the RSPB….AND…….
by Bernie Bell - 07:36 on 24 July 2024
Skaill Open Day…
…was a great success, with Vikings an’ ever’ thing…
https://archaeologyorkney.com/2024/07/23/dig-diary-week-two-at-skaill-rousay/
I’d be interested to see what Anna Gardiner produces, inspired by a Skull from Skaill – she makes wonder-full things…
https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/07/30/playing-with-scale-shapes-and-nightswimming-in-stromness/
********************************************************************
From the RSPB…
"Feeling hot, hot, hot!
How do birds keep their cool in summer and what can you do to help them beat the heat?
In this edition, discover seven fascinating ways birds stay cool in summer, including panting, pooing (yes, really), and splashing in water. Speaking of splashing, enjoy a stunning short film on one of the UK's most-beloved seabirds – the Puffin. Follow RSPB staff and volunteers as they work tirelessly to protect and preserve the Puffin habitat on Scottish island, Fidra.
We’re also celebrating Wild Haweswater’s recent sustainability award, which honours over a decade of remarkable restoration efforts, and unveiling our ambitious project with Ella’s Kitchen to restore 30 million square feet of wildflower meadows.
With National Picnic Month in full swing, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a picnic with a view, so pack your favourite nibbles and visit an RSPB reserve!
Have a wonderful wildlife filled week, everyone.
Hayley Hawes
Notes on Nature editor
Transforming a Puffin paradise on the island of Fidra
Meet the Puffins of Fidra in this captivating short film and learn about the work undertaken to tackle an invasive plant that was putting populations at risk. Find out why we teamed up with others to form Puffin SOS and what else we’re doing to protect the seabirds that breed on this Scottish island.
Expect cute footage of chicks too!
Wild Haweswater wins sustainability award
We are delighted that Wild Haweswater, a partnership between the RSPB and United Utilities in the Lake District, has won the Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions. This award recognises more than a decade of landscape-scale restoration, including re-wetting peat bogs, nature-friendly farming and creating the largest native tree and plant nursery in the Lake District. Find out what made Wild Haweswater a winner!
How helping nature can ease eco-anxiety
It's easy to feel powerless when thinking about the enormous issues facing the natural world. Climate-anxiety and eco-anxiety are now common phrases, given the problems our planet is encountering. So what can you do?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that you certainly aren’t alone in these feelings and, secondly, that we can all make a difference. Find out how to ease your eco-anxiety by taking a stand for nature.
Enjoy nature in a wildflower meadow
Wildflower meadows are one of the rarest habitats in the UK. In fact we’ve lost 97% of our wildflower meadows, which is why we’re working with Ella’s Kitchen to change this. Together, we’re protecting and restoring 30 million square feet of wildflower meadows across RSPB nature reserves by 2030. Discover why meadows matter and the RSPB nature reserves you can visit to see where we’re making a difference.
Get ready for a Wild Summer at RSPB reserves!
This summer, create lasting memories in breathtaking landscapes, where wildflowers thrive in meadows and dragonflies dart over the water. Enjoy watching birds finishing their breeding season and explore hundreds of miles of footpaths. While you’re there, why not celebrate National Picnic Month with a blanket and your favourite snacks – or even stock up on treats at a reserve café.
Remember to stay safe while dining alfresco and follow our tips to help prevent wildfires.
And finally...
Volunteer for Raptor Camp
The Mediterranean island of Malta is a crucial stopover for many migratory birds, such as Honey Buzzards and European Bee-eaters. Unfortunately, the country faces significant challenges with illegal hunting.
The RSPB, as part of BirdLife International's global network of 123 national partners dedicated to bird conservation, proudly supports BirdLife Malta. Our collaboration underscores the principle that birds know no borders.
You can make a difference! BirdLife Malta is seeking Raptor Camp volunteers to monitor hunting activity this September. Applications close on 16 August. For more information, contact alice.tribe@birdlifemalta.org or click below."
We saw them flying across the sky when we were working in the Cota Donana Nature Reserve in Spain – never thought we’d see them here – probably won’t, as we don’t go South these days - still – we know that they’re there – that they have returned. Knowledge is all!
******************************************************************
Add your comment
