Week 10: Birdfair 2014

This time last year I was recovering from surgery, so missed out on Birdfair.  However, 12 months later and I made it up to Rutland Water for the whole three days and what a great event it was.

It's regularly described as the Glastonbury of the birding world.  There are 10 Marquees, 100s of exhibitors, nearly 200 lectures over the three days and activities, guided walks and events around the site with plenty to interest young and old alike and plenty of shopping opportunities!

Urban Birder stand - Birdfair

Not that I got to see much - I was helping out on the @UrbanBirder's stand promoting the Vote National Bird campaign, which was launched on the first day of Birdfair.

Voting for the National Bird

It's also a good opportunity for a bit of Celebrity spotting as several of the BBC Nature presenters and Wildlife experts are giving talks - Chris Packham (missed his talk), Simon King, the great Bill Oddie (missed his talk), Mike Dilger, Jonathan Scott (the wonderful Big Cat Diaries - missed his talk), Miranda Krestovnikoff (came to vote).

I did managed distant 'spots' of all of them and a few of the other Wildlife Celebs who were there over the three days.  Big tick for David Lindo of course!

Birdlife Malta - prize winner!

I did however, manage to win a prize for the only draw I entered on the last day! :)  Thank you BirdLife Malta - another very worthy cause.