WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB - The arranged speaker for the Kidderminster branch's Christmas social was unable to attend due to illness, but wildlife photographer Mike Wilkes stepped in to give an insight into the lengths he would go to, and the patience required, to capture photos of wildlife.

He climbed a scaffold for several weeks, picturing from nest building, and egg hatching, through to the flying stage of a crow family.

Standing in water he had photographed a Canada goose stealing down from a mallard's nest, the mallard retrieving the down when the goose looked away, and he also showed a picture of a nightingale on its nest.

An indoor meeting will be held at St Oswald's Church centre, Kidderminster, on Wednesday at 7.30pm, when Brian Draper will talk about "Along the River Teme". Non-members will be welcome.

On Sunday, January 29, the field meeting is to Upton Warren nature reserve - meet on Moor Pool car park at 10am.