The RSPB on Club Together

Saw the Snowy Owl at RSPB Snettisham whilst we were vanning in North Norfolk

Just a quick tongue in cheek question, Charlotte.

Any chance you can persuade the powers that be at RSPB HQ to take over the editorialship of the CMC mamazine? I've been really impressed with the way the RSPB has changed their mag, particularly over the last 12 months. Well done.

Your question about Spring - We're off to do some nature watching (mostly birds) in Southern Germany and the Netherlands until summer arrives.

ps - Nice photo Oneputt.😊

Wow, Oneputt, such a wonderful animal. 

Well, thank you very much, Wherenext. I will let my colleagues know that you're impressed with the hard work they've put in! I'm not sure about taking it on, though... It think we probably have enough on our plates for now 

Have a wonderful time on the continent. 

This might not quite be the same as hearing this wonderful bird in person, but I thought I'd share this moving piece about the nightingale on BBC's Springwatch (from about 27 minutes in). 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b5826r/springwatch-2018-episode-4

Soundman, Gary Moore, highlights just how severe the plight is for these incredible birds; which have suffered a staggering 90% UK population decline in the last 40 years.

If you'd like to do something to help nightingales then please visit our Save Lodge Hill campaign page. 

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/protecting-wildlife-sites-near-you/save-lodge-hill 

Fantastic picture Tania, never been able to get a clear shot like that.  Just love the Nightingale song and if there is a cuckoo in the background that’s fantastic.  We just got back from abroad so thanks for the Springwatch reminder, a lot of catch up to get through

Lucky enough to watch one singing today, albeit from behind it which is probably why we were able to see it.

It was quite good as it was competing with a Song Thrush.

Have sent my message Tania, sadly I have never heard a Nightingale but I hope I will in the future.

We have not long returned from the Brenne in Central France. We regularly stay at a municipal site in Rosnay. Nightingale sing from the hedge behind our pitch throughout May.  Within 500 metres of the site we counted 17 singing males last year. The site is wonderful and all for £11 a night with all facilities. Recommended, particularly for birders.

At a site in Spain (L'Amfora on the Bay of Roses) there was a nightingale in almost every tree - and sadly, after ten nights of hearing them competing by singing loudly just above our open rooflight, I don't think I appreciate their song as much as I used to do.  

That's tongue in cheek by the way!  Just after I met my OH (second time around) thirty years ago, I took my young sons on a pre-booked camping holiday in France, and when we arrived on our destination campsite I rang him from the campsite phone(!!!!) and he commented on the noisy nightingales in the background - so it's a bit 'Our Song'!  

The Brenne is a lovely area for anyone interested in birds.

Thank you so much to those of you who shared your thoughts as part of the Save Lodge Hill campaign. It's great to have this support from CAMC members .

I also really enjoyed hearing about nightingales in abundance of the continent, how lovely to have them singing to you through your rooflight, ValDa! Oh and Oneputt, the lovely photo up there is an example of a benefit of having access to RSPB photo stock - I myself am a terrible photographer!  

Considering the heatwave and the current absence of rain, there are more ways you might be able to help our feathered and furry friends. Take a look at this link, which provides tips for keeping garden birds cool in the heat: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/news/stories/heat-wave/