Thanks Ian, Geoff, Judith and Tony for all the advice and offers. I am certain I will take up on the kind offers. I have actually made contact with Chris Neild who was very helpful.
Ian I like your idea about the sketch/note book and I have a notebook but if you saw my drawing you'd advise against me trying to sketch anything.
Geoff will follow your advice for definate. Judith and Tony I know I will contact you to go birding. In the meantime if you see me out and about stop me and say hi. (Oh I'm easy to spot. 'Bald Birder' because I'm bald hence the name!
On 18th Feb I'm leading a car trip to Pennington Flash with the Manchester RSPB group. Meet up at the Gateway pub at Parrs Wood 09:00 or Pennington Flash Car Park about 09:40. There will be a small group of us and you're welcome to come along - someone can give you a lift if needs be. Not much testosterone around as it tends to be more 'senior' birders on these trips .
I found these sort of trips very useful, especially if it's the first time you've visited a new site - you get to find the best spots for birds and people will point out the local specialities. You can also have a chance to have a look through other people's binoculars and telescopes to give you an idea of what you get for your money, and maybe find a model that suits your eyes/price range.
Gill - I am happy to take out new lady birders who may be a bit put off by all the male testosterone that floats about the birding world! Give me a ring on 01942 712615
Judith (County Recorder)
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Judith Smith
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Lightshaw hall Flash is sacrosanct - NO paths please!
gill welcome ,come in the waters lovely,you will need to get a copy of the county report(see main website)log on to os maps to find everywhere,go and have look get wet cold and dissapointed but still go out the next time. email me if you want to(hope my spellings up to it)
The very best tip I could offer is simply to get out there and do it!
There is no substitute for experience, which will only come to you by being out in the field, looking at birds. Personally, I'm still one of a very small band of birders that still scribble and draw in a note book, which I find absolutely irreplaceable, digital photos are all well and good and certainly have their place but for me, taking field notes, especially when attempting to learn the features and differences in birds, is the best way forward. Be prepared to challenge the identification of birds, learn the commoner species first and apply what you've seen in the field (even better from your notes) to your favourite bird book when you get home. Remember, children learn by insistently asking "why?" every five minutes, so apply the same rule when you're out birding and don't be afraid to ask someone
As a novice birder I know I have a lot to learn. So getting birding magazines has been really useful for me as has surfing birding websites. I've also joined the rspb and the wwt and the birder code is very clear; also common sense. However, if anyone wants to pass on any tips about birding to help me out I'd appreciate it.
