RSPB award-winner Dot Blakely set for North Coast migratory bird lecture
The North Coast Association welcomes back the acclaimed academic and author for an upcoming public event on coastal wildlife
The North Coast Association (NCA) has announced it will host a public lecture entitled 'Epic Journeys: The Marvel of Migratory Birds' on Thursday, August 13 at 2.00pm in Portballintrae Village Hall.
The event features acclaimed author, academic, and veteran broadcaster Dot Blakely, who returns to the North Coast by popular demand following her highly successful 2025 presentation on local garden birds.
Well-known in birding circles, she has been sharing her expertise for over 30 years as a tutor at Queen's University and Belfast Met.
An appearance on BBC Radio Ulster’s Your Place and Mine resulted in a longstanding friendship with presenter, Anne Marie McAleese. As well as featuring regularly on the programme they collaborated on a widely acclaimed book, Homebirds, in 2022. In June, the RSPB NI acknowledged her tireless work through the President’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Action.
Dot’s talk will look at migratory birds visiting and leaving our coastal and inland areas. As always, her expertise is shared in her informal light-hearted style, appealing to those keen to expand or refresh their ornithological knowledge or simply celebrate the wonder of birdlife and nature on our doorstep.
Following the lecture, attendees will be treated to a traditional afternoon tea, which is fully included in the price of admission.
The event is open to all members of the public. To reserve a seat or for further inquiries, please contact Stephen Harron at 07743 481831.