Wader ID virtual training (2 sessions, Tuesdays 7pm)

Ruff by Matt Latham
Level
Improver
Presenter
Nick Moran, Ben Darvill, Steve Willis
Date
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - 19:00 to Tuesday, November 17, 2020 - 20:30
Places
Fully booked

Improve your identification of passage and winter waders in this two-part online course.

*** Sorry: all the Wader ID courses for 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 wildfowl 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 larger waders
Tuesday 10 November, 7:00–8:30pm
We will introduce the most important elements of wader identification, using a range of interactive activities. The main species that we will cover in this session are Black- and Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew and Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank, Snipe and Jack Snipe.

SESSION 2: Identifying sandpipers and plovers
Tuesday 17 November, 7:00–8:30pm
Building on a self-study exercise on Common, Green and Wood Sandpiper, we'll take a closer look at how to identify this tricky group. In the remainder of the session we will look at Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, and three waders that can cause confusion: Sanderling, Knot and Ruff.

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.