Member Article

Greedy bird bags cash boost for school

Christmas has come early for one Northumberland school thanks to a starling, a talented pupil and her camera.

Hannah Bishop, who was aged 11 at the time, secured the top prize in the Young Persons category of the 2016 North East Wildlife Photography Competition for her photo of a starling taken on South Beach in Blyth and titled: ‘Greedy Bird’.

In addition to Hannah’s individual prize, £100 was donated to her school, Newminster Middle School in Morpeth, courtesy of the North East Environmental Records Information Centre (ERIC).

Hannah’s photo is currently on display at the Great North Museum: Hancock but will shortly be moved to the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Centre until 30 January 2017.

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive said: “Hannah’s fabulous photo really captures the spirit of the starling, which has to compete with its peers to survive, so I am pleased that the bird appears well fed in preparation for the winter!

“I know Hannah is incredibly modest about her win but she has a real talent which she should be very proud of and I look forward to her entry in the 2017 competition which launched recently.”

The annual competition is sponsored by Nestlé and organised by Northumberland, Durham and Tees Valley Wildlife Trusts, Natural History Society of Northumbria, Great North Museum: Hancock and Alan Hewitt Photography.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sue Bishop .