Eighteen members of Leigh Ornithological Society recently travelled to Norfolk for the annual Winter Field Trip. A four-day birdwatching tour included a visit to Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire as part of the itinerary.  Day One took us to Barton Broad. The Norfolk Broads cover a protected area of 117 square miles, featuring over twelve miles of navigable waterways. There are sixty-three shallow water bodies known as “Broads” Barton Broad being one of the largest. The Norfolk Broads are home to seven significant rivers.

One of the highlights of the Field Trip was finding the Eastern Black Redstart on Day 2 of the trip on the sea front at Sheringham. Later in the day a Slavonian Grebe was present at RSPB Titchwell Marsh. Our group were unable to complete the first visit for Day 3 due to the collapse of the car park at Winterton on Sea due to coastal erosion and poor weather at the time of our visit instead, a short stop at Sea Palling before continuing to NWT Hickling Broad and a sighting of a single Crane. Two members of the group visited Waxham Beach, where they observed grey seals relaxing on the sandy shore.

Own arrangements were made for the return journey home, a group from the party added Ferruginous Duck to bring the total number of sightings for the trip to 114 species.

 

 Sadly Leigh Ornithological Society have to announce the passing of another member of our family, Eric Munro.

Eric was a keen cyclist, walker, and of course ornithologist. He was on the committee for many years and many of you would have had your newsletters delivered by him as he saw this as an opportunity for keeping fit upon his retirement.

Being and active member of Leigh Ornithological Society, Eric took part in many Field Trips and especially enjoyed our Winter Field Trips to Scotland and Norfolk.

We extend our sympathy to Eric's family and his many friends. 

 Information for our presentation and Field Trip for March 2026.

History being made. Paul Pennington (l), present Chairman of Leigh Ornithological  Society, David Shallcross as our previous Chairman, (centre) and David Jones (r), also a former Chairman. Seen here outside Dormy House near Cromer on our most recent Winter Field Trip to Norfolk.

 

 Leigh Ornithological Society are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Doris Critchley. It was often remarked that Doris had an unmatched sense of humour.  Doris was a stalwart of our society, involving herself with all aspects in her role on the committee. She was also one of our Field Trip Organisers.

 Jack and Doris moved to Wales to be near their daughter and after Jack’s death Doris moved back to Leigh so she could enjoy her “shows” she loved theatre and words and was a member of the Leigh and Atherton Writers; she penned many poems and short stories, we are very sad at her passing but remember her with pride as a long term and honorary member, a wonderful lady and a true friend to all.

She will be missed deeply by all LOS Members. Condolences to Doris's family at this time.