Join us for two entertaining, interactive sessions and improve your confidence identifying the birds that you see when you're out and about in the UK's uplands.

The training will consist of two weekly online modules using Zoom, complemented by supported self-study exercises which your trainers will provide after each session. The small group format will allow us to get to know one another a bit, and will ensure a more personal experience. The course will cover species particularly relevant to a Scotland-based audience, but most of the species covered are found in upland settings across the UK.

The training will be run by BTO Scotland staff Ben Darvill and Steve Willis, both experienced birdwatchers, surveyors and trainers.

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 cover the following:

MODULE 1: Upland birds and BTO Surveys
Monday 24 April, 7–8:30pm
Our upland landscapes are under-recorded and yet are home to some amazing wildlife. We'll explain more about what we know- and don't know- about the birds in the uplands. We'll cover a few fundamentals of bird identification followed by an interactive workshop which will help you to recognise and remember some of the birds found in Scotland's uplands. We'll lead you on a 'virtual hillwalk' exploring various habitats and the birds that are found there, covering both visual and auditory identification skills. 

MODULE 2: Further upland bird identification 
Monday 1 May, 7–8:30pm
We'll start this session by going through your homework, followed by a look at raptor identification. We'll then continue the 'virtual hillwalk', crossing grassland, heath and bog, ascending past some crags, and enjoying the specialist birds of the high tops. We'll finish by introducing BirdTrack and the Breeding Bird Survey, highlighting opportunities for you to get involved and help gather valuable data on upland birds. 

To book, please click the small 'Register Now' button in the top-right of the page.

This course is designed for amateur birdwatchers and bird survey volunteers – professionals seeking training should contact us by email.

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 steve.willis@bto.org