About this Event
Speaker: Oli Yates, RSPB head of the BirdLife International Marine Programme
Join us for a fascinating talk about the albatross and measures to protect the species by a speaker with years of experience in the field.
The albatross is an amazing bird, with a wingspan that can reach three metres - the largest of any living bird - an ability to glide for hours without a single flap, an elaborate courtship dance, and a long life - one female albatross is the oldest known wild bird in the world.
Many albatross species are endangered, critically endangered or at risk of extinction.
This talk will begin with an introduction to the different species and describe the traits of albatrosses and petrels that equip them to be supreme ocean wanderers. You will hear examples of their migrations and the different challenges they meet as they roam the Roaring Forties and cross the expanse of the Southern Ocean.
Oli will explain the work the RSPB is undertaking to improve their chances of survival, and show the solutions and successes to date, working together with international partners.
This is an informal and friendly event organised and run by London-based RSPB volunteers.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are a beginner, know a lot about birds already, or are interested in learning about conservation.
(Photo of albatross in flight above by Stephanie Prince; trawler at sea by Leo Tamini)
About the speaker
After graduating from Aberdeen University with a degree in zoology, Oli Yates's first job took him 8,000 miles to the Falkland Islands where he stayed for five years, though much of that time was spent at sea on fishing boats. He also took part in island-wide surveys of albatrosses and penguins plus early work on photo-identification studies of cetaceans there.
He next moved to Chile where he spent 10 years co-ordinating BirdLife International’s Albatross Task Force across eight countries in South America and southern Africa.
After returning to the UK he worked for the government to support the design of marine protection strategies in the UK Overseas Territories, before taking up his present role with the RSPB as head of the International Marine Programme.
(Photo above of Wandering Albatross displaying by Alastair Wilson © rspb-images.com)
About tickets, venue and schedule
Tickets
Tickets must be obtained in advance for a donation and will not be available on the door. We request that CLLG members donate a minimum of £5 and non-members a minimum of £6.
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled in which case a full refund of your donation will be given.
You do not need to print a physical ticket. Simply give your name when you arrive at the venue.
Venue
The venue is the Upper Hall at St Columba's Church of Scotland in Pont Street. The nearest Tube stations are Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and South Kensington. The Upper Hall is directly opposite you when you enter the church by the main entrance. Toilet facilities are downstairs. There is no step-free access to the venue, please contact St Columba's direct if you require information about access.
Schedule
Doors will open at 6.15pm and the talk will begin at 6.45pm.
The talk will be for 60-70 minutes, with a 15-minute break after 40 mins. It will be followed by a Q&A. The event will conclude by 9.30pm.
Tea and coffee will be available from 6.15pm for a donation. Cold drinks will not be provided. You are welcome to bring your own, plus any snacks or sandwiches if you wish to eat before the talk or during the break.
We will hold a raffle. This will be cash only. Please bring £1 coins for tickets if you can as we cannot guarantee change.
Volunteers from the RSPB Central London Local Group will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the group and its activities including coach trips to nature reserves and guided birdwatching walks in London.
(Photo above of Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross and chick on nest by RSPB © rspb-images.com; Grey-headed Albatross chick on nest by Stephanie Winnard © rspb-images.com)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St Columba's Church Of Scotland, Pont Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
