Birdfair

[Rogerdodge]

http://www.birdfair.org.uk/#all
Hi
Just a reminder that Birdfair is nearly upon us again.
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st August.
I have no connection with it other than being a happy visitor for the last 5 years.
I really think it is misnamed, and ought to be the WildlifeFair instead.
There is loads for anyone with anyone with even the slightest interest in wildlife.
Those of an entomological bent will see stands for most of the entomological organisations including BC, BugLife, Dragonfly society together with a large stand for Atropos. My favourite area is the line of second-hand book stalls (my poor, bruised credit card) selling books on all aspects of wildlife.
Photographers will be well catered for with Nikon and Canon having ALL their big lenses on tripods overlooking a reed bed - anyone for a 800mm lens? I am hoping that Canon will have to fabled 200-400mm f4 + 1.4 convertor on show. Also I bet you will be able to get "hands-on" with the new Sigma 150 macro with OS! There must be 2 dozen stalls selling everything from camera straps to massive lenses.
Just about all of the eco-holiday companies will be there, many offering butterfly specific holidays worldwide.
Clothes - you are spoilt for choice in windproof or waterproof green, khaki or brown clothes. Even full camouflage suits if that floats your boat.
The art stalls sell prints, sculptures and original paintings of all forms of wildlife. You even get the chance to shake hands with the legendary Richard Lewington, and buy a print or original from him.
Other "personalities" from the wildlife broadcasting world are there, and there are always at least two talks/lectures going on at any one time.
If the crowds get too much, you can always wander around the nature reserve for some pretty good birdwatching.
See you in the beer tent?

[JohnR]

There seems to be no mention on its website as to where the fair is being held

[MikeOxon]

I noticed that too! You can find it if you hunt hard enough. I expect it's a tactic to keep the crowds in check, so I'd better whisper: pssst - it's at Rutland Water!

Mike

[Trev Sawyer]

Ditto

Postcode of Egleton Nature Reserve (on West side of Rutland) is LE15 8BT

Trev

[Rogerdodge]

Hi

There seems to be no mention on its website as to where the fair is being held

http://www.birdfair.org.uk/about/how-to-find-us/
You are right JohnR - it's not the best website in the world.
I find that the site plan PDR link isn't there either.
Ho hum - it's still a great day (or two) out.

[JohnR]

pssst - it's at Rutland Water! Mike

So that will be through passport control at Watford, head north and hang a right? Used to be a nice place before they flooded it.

[Paul Wetton]

Just in case anyone hasn't purchased "A Butterfly Year" DVD set, it will be on sale on the Butterfly Conservation stand with a £5 donation to BC from each sale.

Anyone interested please take a look at Petes review or my website at http://www.wildlife-films.com/A%20Butterfly%20Year.htmlfor information on the DVD's.

Many thanks

[Paul Wetton]

I'll probably be hanging around the BC stand on Friday if anyone is around. It would be good to say hello.

[Hugh Middleton]

I hope to be there on Friday and will look out for you. Have made most of them since they first started and it is a good day out. Even my non birding, butterflying, d'flying, mothing wife doesn't seem to mind been dragged along

Hugh

[Paul Wetton]

Hi Hugh

May see you there.
It always gives me the chance to hang my nose over some new camera gear, a tripod or tripod head. Shame I can never afford anything though.

They'll be plenty to look at in terms of birds, dragonflies and butterflies I hope.

All the best

[Willrow]

The naturalists 'Mecca', and every naturalist should make the pilgrimage to the Birdfair at least once. It really does have something for everyone. My poor wallet will be sad and empty at the end of the day...but, I'll be happy cos' it's a really spiffin day out!!!

Anyone considering the purchase of new binoculars for 'butterflying' (or any natural history pursuit for that matter) are presented with the 'once in a year' opportunity to compare all the major manufacturers offerings under what are real field conditions, Egleton Nature Reserve is a super place for trying out binoculars, it has a good variety of habitat directly adjacent to the optics marquee. No one ever regrets buying quality binoculars, they are often an investment for life, so before you part with hard earned cash, seriously consider a visit to the Birdfair.

I might just see some of you UK Butterflyers there on Friday

Bill

[Michaeljf]

It sounds like a great day out, but I'm frustrated enough as it is. I've been to the camera show at the NEC in a previous year (like comparing 'apples and pears' - I know, but still similiar in the terms of 'expensive kit' on display). Sometimes it's best just not knowing what you're missing

http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/home.htm

Paul - I hope you do well with your DVD and generally 'getting yourself out there'.

Bill - I hope you enjoy yourself (it should be good) and it's a shame not to go up and see you all (also Roger - it would have been nice to meet you! ).

Have a nice time all of you.

Michael

[Paul Wetton]

Hi Michael

I can never afford any of the cameras that are on sale so I may hang my nose over the odd new HD camcorder and sigh a bit. I may be able to afford a new tripod or tripod head and the good thing about the Birdfair is that I can take my video camera and try out the tripods in the field.

Hope to see a few folks from Uk Butterflies out there.

[Brian Anderson]

I'll be going again this year, it is a good event for birders with the added attraction of the Ospreys breeding nearby.
Lot's of stands offering all sorts of art/crafts, holiday planning and birding equipment. Celeb watches will enjoy the day too with lot's of special guests from the TV wildlife shows wondering about..I had a good chat with Johnny Kingdom last year (a proper laugh) Not sure about butterfly watching opportunity up there but if anyone has any tips i'd appreciate them.

[Willrow]

Bill - I hope you enjoy yourself (it should be good) and it's a shame not to go up and see you all

Thanks Michael, I'm sorry you can't make it I just know that you and Karen would love it, trouble is unless you do the whole three days, a single day is never really enough, and the last time I did two days I was bloomin' skint for months afterwards Why not pencil it into your diary for next year...that will give you plenty of time to save your pennies and then blow them all on goodies

Bill

PS. Really enjoyed your Kenfig NNR report and so glad you got to see what you wanted.

[Michaeljf]

Really enjoyed your Kenfig NNR report and so glad you got to see what you wanted.

Thanks Bill..oh, I'm quite capable of blowing my pennies without help from the birdfair

If you do have a chance, check out my post on the last page of the July sightings thread re: our trip to Parc Penallta. As some the photo links had broken a week or so back, I updated my report and chucked in a few extra photos from the following week. One of my favourite visits of the year with your good self as guide!

Michael

[Willrow]

If you do have a chance, check out my post on the last page of the July sightings thread re: our trip to Parc Penallta.

Hi Michael,

Checked out your revised Parc Penallta report, very interesting and lovely pics (as usual ) and I'm pleased to see you returned for some landscape shots in better weather I'm wondering if you may have missed quite a big area in the lower part of the Parc, because I'm sure you would have included a photo or two if you had seen it, there's always the next time though if you did'nt manage it.

Had a great day at the Birdfair yesterday, and I was very disciplined regarding my spending...but, I was given a demonstration on some Butterfly, Moths and Dragonfly Apps on the Birdguides stand that left a great impression, all I need now is the iPad...and the prices start at only £400 so it looks as if it's me who will have to start saving his pennies

Bill

[Paul Wetton]

Hi Bill

I've been reliably informed that Apple will be bringing out new models probably in September so may be worth waiting til then. Plus if you don't mind a smaller screen a 4th generation iPod can be picked up for less than £200. I've been considering these as they can be turned into a sat nav as well. Slightly more portable than the iPad and less than half the price.

[Willrow]

Thank you Paul,

Some decisions to make, iPod for pocket and portability or iPad for screen size, and there's that big price difference to be considered too...I think a visit to the Apple store and a good look at both before D-day

I'll wait a few weeks into September and see what's on offer with the new models, appreciate your tip off

The British Butterfly App is going to have a lot more information included on the next version, it will borrow some of the ideas successfully used on the British Dragonflies App which is quite simply tremendous and superb value for £9.99. You can check them out on http://www.birdguides.com or search for Birdguides on the App Store.

Bill

[Hugh Middleton]

Had a most enjoyable day there on Friday.
Sorry I didn't meet you Paul but everytime I called in at the stand I was told you were out 'networking.' Don't know if that is code for beer tenting

Thought the stand was good and had a good chat with folk there.

Hugh