Mike West, secretary of the West Midland Bird Club, presided at the recent annual general meeting of the branch.

Two new committee members were elected and welcomed and those resigning from positions, held on committee since the branch was reformed, were thanked for their expertise and support.

The topic for the March indoor meeting, Where to Watch Wildlife along the River Severn was presented by Brian Draper.

As group members gathered for the early April field meeting to Trimpley Reservoir and Eymore Wood, they became enthralled by a display of buzzards .

Gooseander, bullfinch, goldcrest and treecreeper were among the 32 bird species identified during the visit.

An illustrated talk entitled Bird Nesting Habitats - Past, Present and Future will be presented by Graham Wren at this month's indoor meeting on Wednesday, April 25 at St Oswalds's Church Centre, Broadwaters at 7.30pm. As always non-members will be most welcome. Admission charges for members £1.50 and non-members £2.

During the field meeting to Rutland Water Nature Reserve on Sunday April 29, a visit to the area where it may be possible to hear the song of the nightingale is planned. Meet at the Nature Reserve Centre car park at 10am.

Our annual dawn chorus walk, this year in Wyre Forest and led by Mr Gerry Griffiths of Avian Adventures, will be on Sunday, May 13 on the Dry Mill Lane car park at 6.20am.

Anyone interested in wildlife, birdlife and conservation in general is always welcome to join both our indoor and field meeting. For details for further information contact 01562 67748.