Congratulations to The RSPB!! - First UK wildlife organisation to attract 100,000 followers on Twitter! Party!!!

Name that bird!!.....looking rather smug, knowing
that his territory is protected by the RSPB!

One of the first things that embedded itself into my mind as an enthusiastic 10 year old, thirsty for knowledge on conservation and freshly armed with my first pair of binoculars (a gift from my Grandad. He had served in the second World War, so I actually felt like a "warrior" each time I discovered something new on my patch with them!), was the rise of the RSPB.

To me it was incredible that the organisation gained a Royal Charter just 15 years after Emily Williamson had started an action group from her home in 1889. In 1930 the society announced the creation of it's first Nature Reserve at Romney Marsh. In 1947, Avocet's bred at the now World famous reserve at Minsmere. In the same year membership fees rose to ten shillings - the first rise on 43 years!!!

Name that bird! On the established feeding station
 at the RSPB Ynys-hir visitor reception

In 1955 the graceful Avocet became the symbol of the RSPB. It remains a powerful image of nature's beauty and the ability of mankind to conserve species today.

By 1960 membership had broken through 10,000. For me it was the Young Ornithologists Club (YOC), that formed in 1965, that had the second major impact in my life. An enthusiastic science department allowed me to feel the greater picture of conservation during the late 1970's. I then went on to join the West Midlands Bird Club and went on my first adventures to Rutland Water and Point of Ayr.

My son - Oliver, The beauty of reserves like RSPB Ynys-hir have
certainly helped to influence his decision to pursue
 the study of Permaculture and sustainable economics

But my next love, which remains deep in my heart till this day, again came courtesy of the RSPB - Ynys-hir (Remember BBC Springwatch!!). The purchase of this incredible site was being tied up whilst my mother was in labour with me in March 1968 (this was in fact the month when the RSPB became a registered charity!!). Ynys-hir opened as a reserve 2 years later. This was another 100,000 event, as the purchase was part of a £100,000 appeal to acquire Vane Farm, Gwenffrd and Ynys-hir. If you have not been to this amazing reserve, then plan it now. It provides stunning scenery and excitement at ANY time of year! There is beautiful accommodation, within a two minute walk of the entrance at Plas Mawr, and it's within a stone's throw of the Dyfi Osprey Project too.

In 1980 another 100,000 event!! This was now the level of membership of the YOC!

Anyone following the issue of poisoning of upland birds of prey will see that the current government has tried to claim responsibility for the successful expansion of Red Kites (In a disgraceful response to a petition that reached 10,000 votes - you can read it here). The truth is that it was the RSPB that started the Red Kite reintroduction scheme in 1989!

Today, The RSPB stands proudly with a membership of over ONE MILLION.

Stunning beauty! Sorry, not the horse (although he was cute),
 or my son (although he is handsome!) - I meant WILD WALES

Find out more about the RSPB:

History
Their work
Their incredible network of reserves
Birds and Wildlife
How to Join Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity
Other ways to support the RSPB
Visit the fantastic RSPB online store

To the members, volunteers, staff and directors of the RSPB - 
a very warm congratulations, as you reach yet another incredible milestone in your rich history.

P.S. Answers to the little cheeky celebratory bird quiz were:

1. Pied Flycatcher
2. Siskin on a feeder with a camera-shy Blue Tit beyond!!

Well done! Now go and join those party animals at the RSPB :-)