Waterbird ID practice, and an introduction to the Wetland Bird Survey and BirdTrack (Idle Valley Nature Reserve)

Level
Beginner/Improver
Presenter
Drew Lyness, David White
Date
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - 09:30 to 12:30
Places
Places available
Book places online

Waterbird ID practice session and an introduction to BTO surveys.

Waterbird ID practice, and an introduction to the Wetland Bird Survey and BirdTrack.  9.30am–12.30pm (Idle Valley Nature Reserve)

Join BTO staff and passionate birders, Drew Lyness and David White, to hone your skills of waterbird ID. During this small group event, we’ll enjoy spending time together looking at wildfowl, waders if they are present, and any other species associated with wetland habitats. 

As a team, we'll practise a range of skills, including key ID features for particular species, and broader transferable skills that will help with your development as a birdwatcher. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your confidence in a supportive environment, plus meet some like-minded souls and enjoy some birds!

We will also provide an introduction to how to take part in the important Wetland Bird Survey (WeBs) scheme, and also record the waterbirds that you see via BirdTrack. 

We are likely to see species such as Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan and Canada Goose, with a chance of Pochard, Gadwall and Lapwing. We'll talk through the ID of these species and use them to discuss and practise broader transferable skills which will help your ID of other species too. We'll then talk in more detail about the Wetland Bird Survey, including the nuances of counting /estimating numbers for different species, and we'll practise using BirdTrack for recording what you see

  • Bring your own food and drink and please wear appropriate clothing for the forecast weather conditions.    

  • Please bring your own binoculars and your favoured bird guide. We will bring a few telescopes to share, but please bring your own if you have one. 

This session will cost £10 per person*. Booking is required and places are limited to 12 participants. 

*if you are on a lower income and the full cost of this session would be a barrier for you then please get in touch and we’d be happy to offer you a reduced rate - email david.white [at] bto.org 

Please note that there is also a suggested donation of £3 per car to park at the reserve. Toilets and refreshments are available at the site.