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'Strictly for the birds'
SK58 Birders is a group dedicated to recording the bird life of a single 10km square between Sheffield, Rotherham & Worksop
The name SK58 is derived from the ordinance survey's labelling of a single 10km x 10km square between Sheffield, Rotherham & Worksop.
The U.K. is split up in to 100km x 100km squares; these 100km2 are broken down further into 10km x 10km squares. Dinnington and Anston sit almost centrally in one of these squares, this square is called SK58, the adjoining 10km square to the west covering the east of Sheffield is SK48 and so on and so forth.
SK58 Birders were formed in December 1992, when several local birders met and decided to pool their resources, time and experience to build up and share information on local birds and bird-related issues. The membership is made up of people who live in and around SK58, i.e. Dinnington, North and South Anston and the outlying villages. Members range from people who enjoy watching and feeding birds from their homes to the ardent birder, who enjoys finding and watching birds at the highest level. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in local birds at whatever level. As a group, SK58 Birders are unique. No other group concentrates on just a single 10km square. Members are encouraged to submit any records of birds they see. These can come in the form of one off observations to concentrated daily observations.
One of the main local hotspots for the club is the area that was the North Anston Pit Top, an elevated area dominating the surrounding area, that slopes away to the west. A once rich marsh that was infilled by colliery spoil which forms the highest elevation of the area. Remnant marsh attracts many birds, the spoil heap providing a superb panoramic view that stretches to the west of Sheffield - an ideal location for observing visible migration. The now infilled lagoons are attractive to waders. A diverse range of habitats remains that continues to be attractive to birds, including extensive shale, grassland, grazed fields, dikes, ditches and a great little reedy marsh, as well as wild uncultivated fields- designated for industrial use. SK58 Birders have been closely involved in discussions and planning of the area in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.
North Anston Pit Top
Each year SK58 Birders handle up to 14,000 records ranging from winter wildfowl counts to migration watches during the spring and autumn, to annual site surveys, to garden records. These records are very valuable and are instrumental when used in conjunction with the local community planning decisions within SK58. Records are also useful in tracking environmental changes that may influence the passage of birds throughout the square.
SK58 Birders are now a very active group with over 65 members meeting at the Loyal Trooper Inn, South Anston each month. These monthly indoor meetings are held at 19:30 on the last Wednesday of the month, except July, August & December. A variety of topics are covered at indoor meetings including local records, identification slots and a main event which usually takes the form of an illustrated talk from members or outside speakers. A full programme of events is also run throughout the year. SK58 Birders are always keen to welcome non members to their meetings.
Forthcoming Indoor Meeting events are :-
26th March "The Pyrenees"- Allan Parker - Member and professional photographer Allan with share his experiences in this magical part of Spain.
30th April "Jewels of Potteric Carr"- Derek Bateson - Our nearest local nature reserve, Potteric is certainly the jewel in the crown of S Yorks nature reserves.
28th May "Atlantic Odyssey" - Mick Turton - Another welcome return, by much travelled Mick, from Barnsley.
25th June "Madagascar"- Jan Jarrold - The globe trotting Jarrolds score a hat-trick of talks, this time somewhere warmer (previously talked about the Antarctic & Arctic.
2008 Field Trips:
30th March "Square Bash" - A bash around the square searching for early migrants, raptors and woodland birds- a good day out guaranteed. Meeting at 07:30 at the Loyal Trooper.
13th April "Potteric Carr" - Ahead of Derek's talk, we'll return to to Potteric Carr. An excellent reserve, which has undergone a great deal of change recently. 08:15 at the Loyal Trooper.
4th May (TBC) "Dawn Chorus, Anston Stones Wood" - Our annual walk for RMBC. Get to grips with birds & bird song, on this dawn chorus walk. With breakfast provided by RMBC's catering wagon. Dates & times to be confirmed, provisionally 05:00 in Aston parish hall car park. Breakfast at c09:00.
Sponsored Birdwatch We've resurrected the annual bird race, to help raise group funds. Over a single 24 hour period between Friday 9th & Sunday 11th May, teams of up to 4 birders will find as many species as they can within the square.
Suffolk weekend - Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June "- It's been a few years since we last had a weekend in Suffolk, so thought it about time we returned. , visiting Minsmere, Dunwich, and other Suffolk top sites.
Future events:- SK58 Birders are running a photographic competition during 2008.
The competition is open to all current SK58 members. The deadline for the submission of entries is the January meeting in 2009. The winners will be announced and prizes presented at the February 2009 indoor meeting.
Categories
- Best Bird photograph both within SK58 and outside the square.
- Best Landscape photograph both within SK58 and outside the square.
Tetrad Atlas Survey 2008 This year is Tetrad Atlas Survey year - in a nutshell SK58 is divided into 2km x 2km squares (Tetrads) and between April 1st and the middle of July members visit their chosen tedrad on 2 x 1 hour visits and record all the adult birds over that period. http://www.sk58birders.com/
Visit the Website SK58 Birders
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