Ralph and Brenda Todd entertained a full house with tales of their travels in search of the Crane. To date, of the 15 species in the world they have seen 11. They have seen Blue Crane in South Africa; Siberian and Sarus Crane in China and India; Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane in North America and Mexico; Common Crane in Europe and Red-crowned Crane, Hooded Crane and White-naped Crane in Japan. As well as birds, we were treated to excellent photographs of other wildlife and plants together with insights into local culture. A successful and interesting meeting.

Jerry indicated early on in his talk that he never photographed birds outside of Berkshire and brought over 1000 of his images to illustrate this fact! He took us on a tour of many of Berkshire’s best birding sites and Jerry’s enthusiasm for his county and knowledge of its birds were very obvious. Without counting, he must have shown us 150 images…………perhaps he will return to show us the remaining 850? Many thanks to Jerry for donating his fee to the ‘Save the Albatross’ campaign.

With the aid of his wonderful photographs, Chris Ward delighted us with an account of his journeys through Argentina and Chile. At least two members present were due to travel in these regions and were thrilled by the birds promised and the exhilarating scenery shown. A full house enjoyed a very stimulating evening.

A short business meeting announced the retirement of Ken Panchen as Group Leader. Gerry Studd was elected as the new Group Leader. Ernie Allan, Colin Humphrey, Chris Lamb and Carol Winder were re-elected as Committee Members. Brian Boyland, Peter Gaines, Jacqui Green, Mike Huddy, Peter Newbound and Sandy Studd were elected as Committee Members from Co-opted Committee Members. After refreshments, due to the indisposition of Colin Humphrey, Gerry Studd gave a PowerPoint presentation on a visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Gordon Langsbury very kindly came to the meeting at very short notice after a last-minute cancellation by the scheduled speaker. Gordon took us for a trip along Britain's coastline and re-visited, with the aid of his superb photographs, many islands famous for their seabird inhabitants. Another enjoyable presentation by 'The Master'.

Julian gave a slick PowerPoint presentation starting with a summary of the global effects of the inevitable future climate changes. He explained how various forms of wildlife would be affected and how they might adapt in order to survive. He mentioned how the habitats presently offered at RSPB reserves could be radically changed. Finally, Julian looked at ways as we, as individuals, might stop, or effectively slow down climate change. A thought-provoking evening.

Gordon excelled himself with this presentation. Having fallen in love with this Hebridean island and visiting it several times, the resulting slides were stunning. We were taken through the changing vistas of the four seasons and met both migrant and resident birds together with seals, deer, otters and stoats. A well-attended meeting looks forward to Gordon's visit next year.

Marek, visiting from Poland, outlined the bio-diversity of his part of central Europe and the reasons for the survival of the unique Biebrza Marshes. Elk, wolves and the last of the European Bison still exist here. He listed the birds found in his 'garden' including Corncrake, Great Snipe and the endangered Aquatic Warbler. Marek breeds Tarpan horses and uses them to limit plant succession on the marshes. These are now used at Minsmere and other UK reserves. He fears that membership of the EU will result in road building destroying the marsh and Marek urged members to visit NE Poland before the area is 'developed'! An inspiring and thought-provoking evening.

Married to a Cuban biologist, Martin was able, to give a very interesting insight into the island's history, culture, lifestyle, climate and its amazing biodiversity. This large island, some 1200km long, is the home to 388 species of bird, ranging from the Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, to the Pink Flamingo. Martin indicated that half of Cuba's flora and fauna including 80% of reptiles and amphibians are endemic to the island and can be found in 263 protected natural areas. With the government supporting conservation and encouraging eco-tourism, Martin's talk, certainly put Cuba on many member's 'wish list' for future visits.

Dominic entertained us with a presentation about the peculiar habits and fascinating behaviour of some European birds. The information that he provided would not be found in normal field guides and included 'snippets' on feeding, breeding, nest-building, migration, etc, emphasizing what made the bird 'different' from others.

The AGM business section was quickly completed with Ken Panchen appealing for volunteers willing to join the committee. Our good friend, John Wyatt then gave a well-illustrated presentation on how to develop a wildlife-friendly garden which could still be enjoyed. He mentioned the importance of providing a variety of habitats using only native plants; water features such as ponds and bird baths can be magnets to wildlife and the rewards of allowing some of the garden to grow wild.

Chris attempted to define 'Twitching' and tried to convince us that he was only a 'Third division' twitcher with very persuasive friends. He showed us excellent photographs of the rarities and vagrants that he had managed to see including those on the Isle of Scilly, visited during the prime month of October. A very interesting presentation on a unique topic.

As usual, Gordon delivered his inimitable presentation to a full house. We were treated to excellent slides taken on a February trip which included the birdwatching localities of lakes, marshes, mountains (cold), estuaries and desert. Members left with the comforting knowledge that Gordon would be returning with another talk next year.

Richard addressed a well-attended meeting and started the presentation with a brief history of the BGBW. The survey method has remained the same since 1979, which means that the results are a very important record of UK garden birds. In the second half of his talk, Richard, highlighted some results including the huge decline of particular birds. Since 1979, the number of House Sparrows recorded has fallen by 52% and the number of Starlings by 72%. For the first time the BGBW has been advertised on local radio, with Richard giving an amusing impression of an advertisement featuring Richard Bryers. An interesting and well-presented evening.

John displayed his lecturing skills with an indoor meeting devoted to the anatomy of birds. His excellent close-up photographs of feathers, bones, beaks and claws helped to emphasise John's knowledge. Nesting habits, camouflage and migration added further interest to a cold, but fascinating evening.

A well-attended meeting enjoyed John's report of a memorable trip to the limits of the Southern Hemisphere. Excellent photographs emphasised the bleak, but beautiful, environment along with its diverse spread of wildlife, including albatrosses, whales and seals. The penguins, which make up 80% of the birds in this region, were the stars of the show.

Owing to a late but unavoidable cancellation by the speaker, our scheduled talk on Cuba was replaced at short notice by Richard Pople giving a talk on birding in Gambia. He presented some very good bird slides and also gave useful information on accomodation, safety and culture in that country. Rather more information on the birds shown would have enhanced what was nevertheless an entertaining and instructive evening.

The business section was quickly completed at the well-attended AGM. Ken Panchen then gave an illustrated talk on the development of the Otmoor RSPB reserve. There followed a pleasant buffet with a chance to view our updated website.

Trinidad and Tobago - Ann and Bob Scott

Ann and Bob's extensive tour leading experience was obvious during this presentation. We were introduced to, not only the birdlife of these exotic islands, but amphibians, reptiles and the spectacular plant life of the area. A showcase that will tempt many birders.

Titchfield Haven - Dennis Bright

Dennis has been a volunteer at this pleasant reserve for 25 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge, as he took us through the seasons, whetted the appetite for our visit on 25th September 2005. A good talk for a wet and cold evening.

Lapland Wilderness - Gordon Langsbury

Gordon Langsbury was as enthusiastic and entertaining as ever with some superb slides of the birdlife of Norway and Finland. The hall was crammed to capacity. Gordon has already been booked to return next year.

Migration - Ian Rumley-Dawson

One of the most high-tech presentations that we have had. Ian, using two projectors to merge slides, described how birds, not only, can fly vast distances to exploit resources that are seasonally abundant, but, how they find their way.

Oman, The Continental Connection - John Wyatt

John Wyatt's talks are invariably an absorbing mix of anecdote and detail and his presentation relating to birdlife in Oman was no exception. Very easy to enjoy and lots of tips for anyone planning to go to this wonderful and UK friendly part of the Middle East.

Secret Habits of Garden Birds - Dominic Couzens

Dominic's knowledge of birdwatching is clearly staggering but his style combines simplicity with informality to give an excellent presentation. He really connected with the audience who were fascinated by the very intimate secrets of the birds in our gardens.