Wader ID virtual training (2 sessions, Mondays 7pm)

Ruff by Matt Latham
Level
Improver
Presenter
Nick Moran, Ben Darvill, Steve Willis, Ros Green
Date
Monday, September 14, 2020 - 19:00 to Monday, September 21, 2020 - 20:30
Places
Fully booked

Improve your identification of passage and winter waders in this two-part online course.

*** Sorry – this round of Wader ID courses is now fully booked. We anticipate running another round later in the autumn, so please check the training courses page again in October. ***

The training will consist of two weekly online modules, complemented by supported self-study exercises which will be provided after each session. The training will be run by BTO staff Nick Moran, Ben Darvill, Steve Willis and Ros Green, all experienced birdwatchers and surveyors.

This course complements two other courses that will run during autumn 2020: a two-session course on wildfowl identification and a one-session course on survey skills for the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). Details of those courses can be found on our training courses page.

In order to participate you will need:

  • broadband of sufficient speed to view live video (we can carry out a test in advance if you are unsure)
  • a computer with sound and ideally a webcam, or a tablet/smartphone.

The two sessions will be as follows:

SESSION 1: Identifying larger waders
Monday 14 September, 7:00–8:30pm
We will introduce the most important elements of wader identification, using a range of interactive activities. The main species that we will cover in this session are Curlew and Whimbrel, Black- and Bar-tailed Godwits, Redshank, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank, Snipe, Jack Snipe and Woodcock.

SESSION 2: Identifying sandpipers and plovers
Monday 21 September, 7:00–8:30pm
Building on a self-study exercise on Common, Green and Wood Sandpiper, we'll take a closer look at how to identify this tricky group. In the remainder of the session we will look at plovers (Grey and Golden, Ringed and Little Ringed) and three regular sources of confusion: Sanderling, Knot and Ruff.

COST: The programme of two weekly online sessions and supported self-study exercises costs £20. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions to get the maximum benefit. We are unable to offer single sessions at a reduced price.