THE remarkable world of hummingbirds will launch Cowal Natural History Group’s new season of winter talks this month.
The group will resume its monthly meetings on Thursday, September 10, with Gordon Holm presenting Jewels of the Jungle at Dunoon Baptist Church Centre on Alexander Parade.
The talk will explore hummingbirds, which can be found throughout the Americas from Alaska to Patagonia and are renowned for their extraordinary flying abilities and brilliant colours.
With wings capable of beating up to 80 times per second, the tiny birds can hover while feeding on nectar and are even able to fly backwards.
Their iridescent plumage is another of their most striking features, appearing to change colour as light hits their feathers from different angles.
Describing the spectacle, the group said: “On a small turn of the head, the colours explode like fireworks.”
The September event marks the beginning of Cowal Natural History Group’s programme of monthly winter meetings, which take place on the second Thursday of each month and cover a variety of topics from the natural world.
Meetings begin at 7pm downstairs at Dunoon Baptist Church Centre, near the Coal Pier.
Annual membership of the group costs £15 and includes access to the winter programme of talks as well as occasional outings during the summer months.
Non-members are also welcome to attend, with a donation towards tea and coffee appreciated.
Jewels of the Jungle takes place on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm.
