Raptor ID involves two interactive online sessions of about two hours each, complemented by supported self-study exercises. We place a strong emphasis on providing you with tools and techniques to help you to continue learning to identify birds after the course.

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
• good headphones or speakers that don’t automatically filter out high-pitched sounds

The two sessions will cover the following:

SESSION 1: Identifying smaller raptors – Tuesday 20 January, 7–8:45pm
We'll start by exploring the key elements of raptor identification using a range of interactive activities, then introduce two helpful 'reference species'. The main species we will cover in this session are Sparrowhawk and Goshawk, as well as the falcons: Kestrel, Peregrine, Hobby and Merlin. 

SESSION 2: Identifying larger raptors – Tuesday 27 January, 7–8:45pm
After reviewing the self-study exercises, we'll turn our attention to the skills needed to identify larger raptors. In this session, we will cover Buzzard, Osprey, Red Kite, Marsh and Hen Harriers, as well as White-tailed and Golden Eagles.

PRESENTERS: The training will be run by BTO staff members Nick Moran, Jenny Donelan and Rob Jaques, all experienced birdwatchers and surveyors.

COST AND ATTENDANCE: The programme of two weekly online sessions and supported self-study exercises costs £24. There's an option to add a donation if you wish to further support the work of the BTO and are able to do so. If the cost is prohibitive, there is also a pricing option for those on lower incomes.

Booking more than one place? 
If you would like to book multiple places, please log out of your MyBTO account and book each place as a separate transaction. We aren't able to process multiple bookings through a single transaction at the moment. 

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions to get the maximum benefit. If you have any other questions about the course, please contact us at training@bto.org.

After booking you should receive an automatic confirmation email. If this doesn’t arrive, please check your spam/junk email folder and if it is not there, or you have any other questions or booking issues, please email us at training@bto.org