BirdLife International’s EuroBirdwatch (formerly known as European Birdwatch) is an annual event comprising hundreds of nationally-organised activities all over Europe. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the magic and beauty of birds in the wild.

Saturday saw the Society celebrating another year of EuroBirdwatch. Events kicked off with a bird ringing session at the Alameda Gardens, with Ray Marsh, assisted by Julia Springett ringing a number of birds, including robins, blackbirds, blackcaps, house sparrows and blue tits. The evergreen Bob Wheeler, assisted by young volunteers Gian Alvarez and Matthew Yome set up the display boards and GONHS publications and other material.

Early bird - Blue tit exacting revenge on Ray Marsh (above)

Enthralled - Ray and Julia capture more than birds, as the mysteries of bird ringing are explained (above and below)

At the bridge over The Dell, Jill Yeoman and Robin Springett hosted the bird viewing spot, from where participants were able to see birds bathing at a fountain (below)

Later on, the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit set up the extremely popular bird of prey display. Vincent Robba, Stanley Olivero and Gilbert Gonzalez were on hand to answer questions and help a number of children hold birds of prey, using gauntlets.

Not amused. Little Owl gives photographer the eye (above)

Below: Gilbert Gonzalez. One of GONHS' unsung heroes, holding a magnificent Bonelli's eagle

Meanwhile, EuroBirdwatch Coordinator Albert Yome, General Secretary John Cortes and Head of the Strait of Gibraltar Bird Observatory Charles Perez kept themselves busy, visiting the various activities and assisting members of the public with their bird questions.

A new feature for this year was The Big Draw, organised by Giorann Henshaw of Gibraltar Arts and Crafts. The children who took part sat near the birds of prey, from where they were able to draw these 'models' from life (below)

Up at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, Jessica Leaper and her team hosted World Animal Day, which also hosted a large amount of visitors.

In the afternoon, a smaller but dedicated group of observers conducted a seabird watch from the Society's Europa Point Marine Observatory. After a sluggish start, higher numbers of seabirds congregated over shoals of flying fish, which were seen trying to escape the clutches of Cory's shearwaters, Northern gannets and yellow-legged gulls. Several Sandwich terns, Black-headed and Audouin's gulls were also seen. On the land side, flocks of Crag martins, a couple of Yellow wagtails and a Blue rock thrush were also seen.

Observers at Europa Point (below)