Waterbird ID virtual training (2 sessions, Tuesdays 10am)

Pochard by Liz Cutting
Level
Beginner/Improver
Presenter
Nick Moran, Ben Darvill, Steve Willis
Date
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 - 10:00 to Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - 11:30
Places
Fully booked

Improve your identification of winter wildfowl and other waterbirds in this two-part online course.

*** Booking for this course is now closed. For information about alternative courses, please visit the training courses page. ***

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 and Steve Willis, all experienced birdwatchers and surveyors.

This course complements two other courses that will run during autumn 2020: a two-session course on wader 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 dabbling ducks, swans and common grebes
Tuesday 1 September, 10:00–11:30am
We will introduce the most important elements of wildfowl identification, using a range of interactive activities. The main groups that we'll cover in this session are dabbling ducks (excluding males in breeding plumage), winter swans and the common grebes.

SESSION 2: Identifying diving ducks, sawbills and grey geese
Tuesday 8 September, 10:00–11:30am
Building on a self-study exercise on diving ducks, we'll take a closer look at how to identify this tricky group, along with some other common waterbirds that dive for food. The remainder of the session will focus on the identification of grey geese: Greylag, Pink-footed, White-fronted, Taiga and Tundra Bean Geese.

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.