Birdsong in the Ballroom

It was a full house for April’s’ In The Ballroom’, the monthly social gathering at the Court House featuring a talk, tea and cake, and a quiz.  

The speaker was Rick Thompson, a member of the Warwick Natural History Society and a lifelong birdwatcher. He described the surprising variety of wildlife to be found in St. Nicholas Park beside the River Avon, particularly at this time of year when the spring migrants are arriving from Africa.

And the ballroom echoed to the sound of birds as guests were treated to recordings of the familiar songs of the robin and wren, and then the less familiar songs of the summer visitors now arriving in the country, such as the blackcap, sedge warbler and cetti’s warbler. All can be heard in the park in the springtime as they try to attract a mate. 

After the talk, Rick signed copies of his book ‘Park Life’, and the quiz devised by Helen Fellows had 25 questions about British wildlife. Do you know what a male and female badger are called? What is an otter’s home called? 

The next In The Ballroom will be on Wednesday 11th of May at 2pm, when Trevor Langley will  be talking about the Puckerings of Warwick, and why they were such an important family. 

To avoid overcrowding, this year guests must reserve a place in advance by dropping in to the Visitor Information Centre in the Jury Street Court House  – open seven days a week – or email enquiries@visitwarwick.co.uk, or phone them on 01926 492212

To see the line-up of speakers and activities for the rest of the year, click on ‘In The Ballroom 2022’ on the home page.