One of the really interesting parts of working at FIBO (and there are lots!) is meeting such a variety of people. We owe gratitude to so many people after our first year here, but to start with, I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported the Obs by visiting us in 2011. It was lovely to meet you all and we're really pleased that so many of you are coming back in 2012.
Another group of people we’d like to say thanks to are the Friends of Fair Isle. Our Friends have supported the Obs throughout our 60 year history, especially recently with the new building. So on behalf of Susannah and myself and the FIBO Directors: ‘Thank You’.
Our Friends will be receiving a newsletter and the 2009/10 Annual Report in the next few weeks (we’re off the island shortly until early February, so all being well it should be with you by March). Any members who haven’t had anything from us by April should get in touch just to make sure we have your correct details.
If you’re not a Friend of Fair Isle, but would like to get the report, now is the time to join. Simply go to the FIBO website http://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/Friends_of_FI/friends.htm, print the Bankers Order, gift aid and application form and send them to us (the suggested amount is £10, but you can give more if you like). Any subscription forms received between now and April will be processed for the start of the membership year on 1st April 2012 and we’ll send you the latest newsletter and 2009/10 Annual Report. What’s more, the 2011 Annual Report will also be published this financial year, so you’ll get two newsletters and two Annual Reports (covering three years) for your year’s subscription. With your help we’re able to continue our ornithological work and production of the Annual Report, so once again, thanks.

And last but not least, thanks to all of you who have followed the blog this year and especially those of you who have taken the time to let me know what you think of it. It's the birds that make it worthwhile and there'll hopefully be plenty more of those to write about in 2012.