For years, the RSPB has been producing pin badges representing the various birds, as well as other wildlife, found in the U.K. These pin badges are distributed in exchange for a donation to the RSPB to help them with all their fine work. I myself happen to collect these pin badges, which as I am in Oregon, just about on the opposite side of the world from England, hasn’t in the past been the easiest thing to do (fortunately, the recent establishment of the RSPB Pin Badge Collectors Group has helped considerably).
With the exception of a few pin badges specifically designed to support the RSPB’s Wildlife Explorers program for young people, almost all have been realistic representations of the bird, insect, or mammal they depict. This past Christmas saw the release of the first, shall we say, whimsical design in the form of a Robin wearing a muffler and a Santa Claus hat; a very charming pin badge indeed.
Now, with Easter approaching, the RSPB has released another holiday-themed pin badge in a whimsical design, the Hatching Chick. This new pin badge may not be everyone’s – pardon the pun – cup of tea, but it is quite cute and will most certainly be in high demand – perhaps most importantly by many who are not presently RSPB members or who may not have been very familiar with the organization or their work.
Should you find yourself desiring one of these new pin badges and also find yourself in the U.K., stop by an RSPB reserve and drop a pound in the pin badge box. Should you not be able to visit a reserve any time soon, send an e-mail message to Mark Weston, the RSPB’s Pin Badge Collectors Group Coordinator and he’ll certainly be able to help put one on your lapel.
Peace and good bird watching.
