December Field Trip – Malcolm Palmer

posted in: Field Trips | 0

The December field trip was somewhat attenuated by adverse weather, but we were obliged to go ahead, as this meeting always incorporates our annual general meeting. 17 members met under grey skies at Gran Alacant, and we started off at the Clot de Galvany, where the party split up. Those who went to the ‘dry hide’ managed to see Stone Curlew and Kingfisher, whilst the rest of us had to be content with distant views of Marsh Harrier and Black necked Grebe, before taking a look at the Charco de Contacto, where Teal and Shoveler were plentiful, and a couple of Purple Swamphens were to be seen. We regrouped and headed for the coast, whereupon the heavens opened! I managed to see a Cory’s Shearwater planning typically over mountainous seas, and a lone Audouin’s Gull fed nearby.

After abortive attempts elsewhere, we ended up early at our ever-reliable lunch venue, Tano’s, Gran Playa, where we conducted our AGM before lunch, in an enforced break from tradition, as rain poured down. Our new secretary Heather Tearle most efficiently managed the meeting, and President David Roe gave his resumé of the year’s field trips, which, for the most part, have been successful. Greta Owen’s work on the accounts was also acknowledged. Our heartfelt sympathy was accorded to the daughters of long-term member David Lewis, so recently passed away, and good wishes were extended to Rex and Linda walker, on their return to the United Kingdom. Rex’s place on the committee becoming vacant, Paul Dando was unanimously voted as his replacement. Mary Brazier’s great work on our website was again remarked upon, and applauded.