Somerset Birding News

Back in December 2018 we published information about a request for crowdfunding for a documentary on the Nightingale. Soon afterwards, we were able to report that the funding had been successful.

We are delighted to report that the film will be premiered at the 2020 Virtual Birdfair on Thursday 20th August.

The makers are also in the process of auctioning a piece of artwork created for the film, a one of a kind piece by street artist ATM called ‘The Nightingale & The Bomber’. They have added a nice little excerpt from the film telling the story behind the piece, which you can see here: https://sunbitternmedia.com/the-auction. The current bid stands at £3,000. The auction will end on Sunday 23rd August at 18:00.

The auction was launched on Friday morning on Chris Packham & Megan McCubbin’s show, The SIBC, which you can catch up on here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=292496975370636.

There are still some prints left too, for those who may not have space for the original!

The film will appear here when launched: https://virtual.birdfair.org.uk/index.php/the-last-song-of-the-nightingale-thursday-7pm/

Finally, a short behind the scenes interview on the creation of the film was shot, which will also be going live at the virtual Birdfair on Thursday 20th August, here: https://virtual.birdfair.org.uk/index.php/thursday-behind-the-scenes-of-the-last-song-of-the-nightingale/ 

In 2019 the Society donated a wildlife camera to the Hospice, so that children, parents and visitors can closely monitor the bird life using their garden feeders.

In response to the pressure that many charities are under, a national fundraising campaign has been launched, the 2.6 Challenge on 26th April (the same day that the London Marathon would have taken place). This campaign is supporting all UK charities and the Hospice is asking for support. The idea is to raise money by doing something around 2.6 or 26. Birders could perhaps organise a quiz with 26 bird related questions (pay to enter), bird watch for 26 minutes (ask for sponsorship) or just donate £2.60 or £26! A  target of £260 or even £2,600 could be set?

You can sign up to take part for Children’s Hospice South West with a Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving page here: https://www.chsw.org.uk/event/26-challenge

We now have the data for the above survey. For details, click here.

Somerset Birds 2018 has been printed and will be sent out directly to Members soon.

Non-Members can obtain a copy for £10 from Brian Gibbs. Members can obtain additional copies for £8.50 a copy. See https://somersetbirding.org.uk/publications

Don’t miss a unique opportunity to catch this illustrated talk given by renowned Wildlife Artist Chris Rose.

Friday November 8th, Combe St Nicholas Village Hall (South Somerset, near Chard), 7.30pm.

In early 2010 Chris spent 5 ½ weeks on board a 20m yacht, sailing a total of over 4,000km (in some of the roughest seas on the planet!) to draw and paint the wildlife and landscapes of the Antarctic archipelago of South Georgia. The resulting work formed an exhibition in London with the aims of raising funds for the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s (RSPB) Save the Albatross campaign and of raising awareness of the plight of albatrosses and other seabirds in the Southern Ocean.

This illustrated talk is an account of the expedition and will feature photographs (and a few videos) of this remarkable place and its wildlife, plus some of the artwork.

For full details, click here.