The HNHS and Herts Bird Club have learned with sorrow of the death of the popular Hertfordshire wildlife artist Ernest Leahy,  aged 79, who was also a keen birder and long-standing member of the society.

Ernie, who was a generous contributor of illustrations to the Herts Bird Report and pictures to raise money at HNHS conferences  was largely self-taught. 

Featured picture is Ernie's painting of Fieldfares feasting on apples, contributed to the Herts Bird Report, 2013

Action to engage farmers, golf clubs and other landholders in wildlife conservation was the featured theme at the HNHS Autumn Meeting and AGM on Saturday 1 October.

More than 40 members attended the Society's first 'face-to-face' conference since Covid restrictions were lifted held at the offices of Affinity Water in Hatfield.

Amid continuing concern over the spread of avian flu, we urge birdwatchers and other members who come across dead birds to follow advice provided by the British Trust for Ornithology. Numbers of dead wildfowl (swans, ducks, geese) gulls and birds of prey especially should be reported to Defra 's special helpline (03459 33 55 77 (Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm) select option 7) .