A talk about birdlife is to take place at a special event next month.

The Calf of Man is vital as both a breeding area and a stop-off point for birds moving between the northern and southern hemispheres.

On March 9, 7pm at the Sound Cafe, Calf wardens Aron Sapsford and Nathan Wilkie will provide a fascinating insight into the role that the island plays in the lives of many birds including the Manx shearwater.

Tickets for the talk are limited and can be booked online via www.manxwt.org.uk click on Events.

They cost £32.93 inclusive of a two-course dinner - menu choices are listed online and must be pre-booked when buying tickets.

An important task on the Calf is a programme of bird ringing, the results of which enable biologists to build a picture of where birds live.

This is vital when conservation action is required to support endangered species.

Manx shearwaters used to breed in large numbers on the Calf before returning to South America for the winter.

However, rats ate the eggs and young and radically reduced breeding success. This is now being reversed thanks to a pest control programme.

Puffin breeding is also declining so model puffins and taped calls are being used to encourage them back to the island.

Camera traps are used to check on whether these unusual methods are working.

Dr Lara Howe, marine officer at Manx Wildlife Trust, said: ’This will be a fascinating evening for anyone interested in the Island’s wildlife and for discovering how important the Bird Observatory is in recording the many birds which travel through during their migrations. Aron and Nathan have some amazing tales to tell from their ringing programme and general life on the Calf!’