THE RSPB hosted a superb evening's entertainment last Wednesday in Powick Parish Hall, when the guest speaker Michael Leach gave a colourful and amusing talk entitled Owls of the World.

A full-time, professional wildlife photographer and author since 1977, Michael worked for the BBC Wildlife Unit in Bristol, has written 11 wildlife books ranging from owls to big cats, bears to great apes. His photographs have appear-ed in magazines such as Country Life, RSPB Birds, Natural World, National Geographic etc.

More than 100 people attended the lecture which included photographs of owls. There are 133 species of owl in the world, ranging from the smallest Scops pygmy owl to the largest European eagle owl.

Michael, who lives in Shropshire, revealed some "tricks of the trade" used by wildlife photographers and told some interesting and amusing anecdotes. His is a name to look out for in films and publications ranging from North American wolves to big cats in India and wildlife on the motorway grass verges of the UK.

Powick Parish Ramblers have an evening walk planned in Malvern, visiting the fountains, water spouts and wells of Malvern, on Wednesday, June 27, meeting at 6.45pm at the Winter Gardens (by Malvern Theatres). For details, ring Bryony Wilks (01905) 831465. A day-time walk is being arranged for Friday, July 13, meeting at 10.30am at The Kettle Sings for a walk on the Malvern Hills.