Popular annual 'bird race' returns to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas - here's what it's all about, and how to take part
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National Trust rangers and members of the area’s Coastal Conservation Group will again lead volunteers on a one-day ‘bird race’ to count as many bird species as possible.
Racing to cover as large an area as they can, some teams will compete in vehicles, while others will walk up to 15 miles over an eight-hour period on Sunday, January 9.
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Hide AdThe annual bird count is one of the first fixtures of the year in the area’s events calendar.
The event is open to bird enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Each team will record their findings, hoping to beat previous years’ totals by spotting up to 100 different species.
As well as familiar varieties including wood pigeon, blue tit and black headed gull, Dougie Holden, National Trust ranger at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, said the chance of spotting rarer species such as peregrine falcon. treecreeper and little egret offers additional motivation.
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Hide Ad“It’s a pleasure to welcome newcomers to this event and see it grow each year,” said Dougie.
"It’s a competition, but a very friendly one and an opportunity for less experienced birders to team up with regular competitors. Everyone’s keen to share their knowledge, bird identification tips and tricks.”
He added: “The bird race is the first in a series of events throughout 2022 at Souter.
"We want to introduce people to local nature and hopefully inspire them to get involved in caring for it. We’re already looking forward to bird box building over February half term, then moth nights, bird ringing demonstrations, wildlife walks rock pooling events and more in spring and summer.
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Hide Ad"People can make a real difference by putting up a bird box, or growing some insect friendly plants in their garden or even a window box.
"And of course, volunteering with the National Trust or Coastal Conservation Group is an option for anyone who really wants to get hands on.”
The bird race starts and finishes at Souter Lighthouse.
Participants should email [email protected] or phone 0191 529 0901 to sign up.