Bird songs and calls, and BTO surveys (The Ochils, Stirling)

Level

Improver

Presenter

Steve Willis

Date

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - 09:00 to 14:00

Places

Fully booked

This outdoor training session will aim to reinforce aspects of the recent online training events and aims to build the confidence of volunteers keen to find out more about BTO surveys and schemes.

Join Steve Willis for an informal session practising our bird ID skills and learning more about BTO surveys and schemes. During this small-group event we will enjoy watching and listening to the birds in both open wetland and moorland habitats with a little time near woodland too. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and pick up ID tips from your trainer and other participants. We'll particularly focus on improving our recognition of bird songs and calls. We'll discuss how to use BirdTrack to record birds around you and we'll introduce the methods for the Breeding Bird Survey, and then put them into practice in small groups. As we go about we'll try and keep our eyes peeled for any key signs of breeding behaviour too. 

This event is suitable for folk who are getting more familair with identifying songs and calls, as well as anyone considering taking part in surveys like the Breeding Bird Survey. Anyone who has done BBS a few times but wants to build confidence and ask questions about the finer points of the survey would also be very welcome.

We'll base the training on Dumyat, a hill in the Ochils just above Stirling. It offers a nice range of  habitats and birds! We need to charge a small amount (£10) for these sessions to help cover our costs. 

Bring your own binoculars, bird guide, and notebook plus your own food and drink. Please make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. The training will take place in an upland setting but we'll be sticking to roads, tracks, and easy footpaths.   

Further information about the meeting place, car parking, and toilets etc will be emailed to registered participants.