Gull ID virtual training (2 sessions, Wednesdays 10am)

Level

Beginner/Improver

Presenter

Nick Moran, Viola Ross-Smith, Paul Stancliffe

Date

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - 10:00 to Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 10:00

Places

Fully booked

Improve your confidence identifying the gulls that are commonly found in the UK in this two-part online course.

The training will consist of two weekly online modules of 90 minutes each, 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.

In order to participate you will need:

• broadband of sufficient speed to view live video
• a computer with sound and ideally a webcam, or a tablet/smartphone.

The two sessions will be as follows:

SESSION 1: Identifying smaller gulls
Wednesday 24 February, 10:00–11:30am
We'll start by exploring the key elements of gull identification using a range of interactive activities, then introduce three helpful 'reference species'. The remainder of the session will cover five smaller gulls – Common Gull, Kittiwake, Black-headed, Mediterranean and Little Gull – and there will be a self-study exercise to reinforce learning.

SESSION 2: Identifying large gulls
Wednesday 3 March, 10:00–11:30am
After reviewing the self-study exercise, we'll turn our attention to the skills needed to identify larger gulls, including how to age them. Although we will mention how these techniques can be used to help identify scarcer species such as Glaucous, Iceland and Yellow-legged Gulls, our main focus will be on Herring, Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls.

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.