Mark Avery - WOS Conference 2013

I can't believe its been nearly twelve months since I was asked to man the stand at WOS 2012. Here we were again, this time gathered in Monmouth.

Last year would be a tough act to follow, but in fairness they pulled it off big style.

The conference was held in Monmouth to help celebrate the Gwent Ornithological Societies 50th anniversary year.

We started with the AGM and Iolo's presidential speech, or rants as he likes to call them. This years tongue lashing was aimed at Natural Resources Wales and the shambles that is going on behind the scenes there. The thing with Iolo William's is he always talks from the heart. Like most of us he despairs at the state of wildlife at the moment, and the current administration in Westminster disregard for it.

The first speaker for the day was Al Venables, on the first fifty years of the Gwent Ornithological Society. GOS was started by a beginner birdwatcher, so there is hope for me yet! ;o)

Next up was former head of conservation at the RSPB, Mark Avery (pictured here). He was in fine fettle. He made the point that the Passenger Pigeon, which once formed flocks in the billions went extinct in less than 100 years. The anger that this was allowed to happen has faded into memory along with the bird. He made the point that we are the generation that has to stop the rot in species decline, and we should start making a noise about the loss of our wildlife in our area. It can be as simple as emailing your MP and signing e-petitions. We are the digital placard wavers now!

Nigel Clarke from the BTO gave a fascinating talk on the Severn Estuary and its unique habitat. He went on to explain how any tidal barrage built across it with current technology would be disastrous for the wildlife there. He also made the point that none of his research could be done without the army of volunteers carrying out WeBS (wetland breeding surveys) counts and proving the data.

After a lunch that was easily comparable to last years scrumptious affair, Dan from RSPB Cymru gave his state of play on the state of nature in Wales. One of the interesting things that he mentioned was the use of the 5p carrier bag levy from Tesco's. This has directly paid for a woodland officer for Wales and a new hide at RSPB Conwy amongst other things.

Kelvin Jones from the BTO Cymru gave his round up of news and presented life time achievement awards to two long standing regional reps.

Dan had mentioned during his round up that no White Fronted Greenland Geese had returned to the Dyfi this year (so far). Tony Fox is a world leading expert in this species. Despite these being a protected species around the world, the Welsh Assembly allowed them to be hunted in Wales. A decision that is quite incredible, but alas in keeping with the current trend!

The final two talks of the day were on two birds I would love to add to my life list. The Hawfinch is top of the desirable list, and 2014 will be the year I make a little more effort to see this stunning finch. Another amazing use of the radio tagging was explained, when ringed birds were geo-tagged and the field researchers were amazed to discover they foraged up to 5km from their nest sites. Something not even suspected until now.

The day was ended with a light hearted but info-packed talk on Honey Buzzards. I have no idea why they are called Honey Buzzards as they actually eat Wasp grubs. We were treated to some amazing video footage from nests. A truly magnificent bird to end the day with.

I came home full of facts to regale to Dawn!

We are all off to North Wales next year. I can't wait already.