Saturday marked the culmination of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, with a conference and evening reception at the Civic Centre in Newcastle. Luckily the winds were from the southwest, so there was no sudden exit of delegates due to a major rarity turning up in the county!
The afternoon featured four speakers;
Mike Hodgson spoke about the first 50 years of the club
David Parkin highlighted important scientific papers published by NTBC members during the last 50 years
Mick Marquiss described three of his recent studies; White-tailed Eagles and lambs, Marine-foraging Ospreys and Sparrowhawks and Bullfinches
Colin Bradshaw looked in some detail at what the next 50 years may hold for birdwatchers
All of the speakers were inspirational in their own way.
The evening entertainment included a buffet and a birding quiz organised by Graeme Bowman. The winners of the NTBC 50th Anniversary Photo competition were also announced (judging this was not an easy task…);
Birds as Art – Black-necked Grebes by Ian Fisher
Bird Behaviour – Moorhens by Steve Barrett
Flight – Arctic Tern by Peter Tapsell
Rarities – Lesser Grey Shrike by Ian Fisher
Open – Red-breasted Merganser by Roger Forster
Best Portfolio – Ian Fisher
Best Image – Moorhens by Steve Barrett
I can honestly say, hand on heart, that being part of the organising committee for the last 16 months has been really enjoyable for both myself and Sarah. Here’s looking forward to 2058…