"Birds, Birding and a Career in Ornithology" with Oliver Slessor
DATE: Thursday 25th February 2027
TIME: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
JOIN IN: Gresham Village Hall and via Zoom
A BIT ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND THEIR TALK: "I work as a professional Ornithologist, at present undertaking consultancy work bird surveying in Norfolk and Suffolk. I started birding aged six in a hide at RSPB Minsmere and have had a varied career with birds. I am now forty-three and have spent my whole working life watching and studying them. I am an experienced bird ringer and hold a BTO 'A' permit. I am passionate about bird migration, seabirds and the birds of Central and South America. I've worked at numerous Bird Observatories as well as undertaking seabird protection at many of the British and Irish tern colonies. I've also worked in the Neotropics as a Bird Guide. My new book 'Birds, Birding and a Career in Ornithology' covers in detail the amazing experiences I have had with the special birds that I have encountered, from remote Rockabill to the canyons of Utah. My talk will cover my incredible life working with birds in Britain and around the world; in the last 20 years. I will speak about a variety of the different jobs; ranging from finding exciting rarities through undertaking Bird Observatory work, to rewarding seabird protection of the rare and elegant Roseate Tern. Not to mention tracking down elusive Antpittas through bird guiding in Ecuador as well as finding five species of Vulture whilst surveying in remote Zambia. The talk will show many of the fabulous birds I have had the delight in seeing as well as other wildlife."
AT THE HALL: Those of you attending in-person at the hall can expect a selection of home-made cakes plus tea, coffee, hot chocolate, wine and cold drinks during the interval and of course the chance to socialise with other members. We can cater for gluten-free or other requirements if you let us know in advance. We have a 2nd hand ‘natural world’ book stall for you to purchase from / contribute your no-longer-required stock to, supplies of our publications to buy (including our annual bird reports), a display of member photos and details on our upcoming events. We are happy to offer members’ old birding equipment for sale at our events (or in our newsletter) with a contribution going to club funds.
BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS: It is always nice to know if you are coming to the hall but by no means essential so if it takes your fancy on the evening, please just turn up as we would love to see you and we have plenty of space!
ACCESSIBILITY: The hall is wheelchair accessible. The level car park at the hall is shingle but we can reserve a space next to the entrance if you need it.
GOING GREEN!: The hall isn’t really accessible by public transport but if you are able to walk or cycle to the event that would be fantastic! Alternatively, car-sharing is encouraged. Have a chat with folks at any of our events or message them through our website to arrange something for next time, or let us know and we will try to put you in touch.
DIRECTIONS: Gresham Village Hall, East Beckham Road off Church Lane, Gresham, Norfolk, NR11 8RT but note the published postcode might not take you to exactly the right spot! If you are coming through Aylmerton and Lower Gresham, turn right by the church (just after the school) and the hall is on your left. If you are coming through Gresham, turn left at the church (just before the school) and the hall is on your left. If you are dropping down from East Beckham, the hall is on your right opposite the church.
PARKING: Access to the hall car park is off East Beckham Road, opposite the church. There is additional parking on the road along the side of the church itself and an overflow car park has kindly been offered to us by Gresham Village School. The school car park is located on Cromer Road to the left of the school as you face it and at the left-hand end of the row of houses – about a 300m walk from the hall. Please park considerately to allow maximum number of cars in the car parks and on the road but with enough space for passing traffic to be able to get through, including agricultural vehicles. We can send you a map of the locality on request.
