After many years of stability there has been a number of changes to the Rare Bird Panel this year. Tony Blake was County recorder for a number of years and as well as a member of the Rare Birds Panel, having moved from Hertfordshire he has decided it is time to step down. Jack Fearnside was the longest serving member of the Rare Birds Panel and after many years has decided it’s time to step down. Chris Ruis was County recorder for Herts and due to work commitments and also moving away from Hertfordshire has also decided to step down.
I would like to thank all three for their support and great discussions over the years and wish them all well for the future.
We have been working on replacements and can confirm that Chris Hocking has agreed to take over as County Recorder and Graham White and Rob Martin will join the Herts Rarity Panel. Their profiles can be found under Rarer Birds in Hertfordshire.
Mike Ilett (Chairman of the Rare Birds Panel)
