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

Gadwall by Paul Hillion
Level
Beginner/Improver
Presenter
Nick Moran, Ben Darvill, Steve Willis
Date
Monday, October 26, 2020 - 19:00 to Monday, November 2, 2020 - 20:30
Places
Fully booked

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

*** Sorry: all the Wildfowl ID courses for October/November 2020 are now fully booked. This course will run again in 2021. Please check for other courses on our training courses pages. ***

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 members who are 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
Monday 26 October, 7:00–8:30pm
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
Monday 2 November, 7:00–8:30pm
Building on self-study exercises on diving ducks and scarcer grebes, we'll take a closer look at how to identify these tricky groups, 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 but if the cost is prohibitive or you have any other questions about the course, please contact us at training [at] bto.org.