Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

Description

SBBOT operates within a private estate, on adjacent farmland, nature reserve and golf course by courtesy of the landowners. The Observatory is a recognised charitable trust and is managed by a Council elected by an Annual General Meeting. The work of the Observatory relies upon the voluntary assistance of its members and the contributions made available by a large number of visiting birdwatchers, many of whom take advantage of the hostel accommodation. The Council considers all applications made to it for membership of the Trust, welcoming any who would like to contribute to its work in a practical or supporting way. The Observatory produces several newsletters each year and summarises its work in a comprehensive Annual Report which is sent to all full members.

The records of SBBOT may also be seen by arrangement with the Secretary. Bird Ringing is carried out by accredited personnel under licence according to the rules of the British Trust for Ornithology, from whom all rings and nets are purchased. The BTO notifies the finder and the ringer, of all details of ringed birds found and reported to them. Training facilities may be offered to those wishing to become ringers.

The main work of the Observatory is to watch, record and ring, the birds of Sandwich Bay, with the object of relating local distribution and bird movements to a national perspective, whilst monitoring the effects of inevitable changes in the environment. It can also provide valuable data in support of measures for the conservation of threatened areas. It aims also to encourage a better appreciation of our heritage and to provide instruction and example for its future.

Migrant birds in spring and autumn form the majority of an average total of 10,000 birds ringed each year, this being especially true of the autumn when in right conditions, birds seem to be in every bush. In late autumn, excitement is centred on the large number of wintering birds watched coming in from the continent and the anticipation of late rarities from as far afield as Siberia. Winter brings the estuary into focus with its populations of wading birds, its ducks and seabirds, together with flocks of Snow Bunting and Twite.

Spring is the time for the departure of winter species, the return of summer migrants and the beginning of yet another breeding season.