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BTO training courses – Identification, surveys & ringing

Come on a BTO Training Course, and take your birdwatching further!

The BTO are offering a range of training courses to help you get more out of your birdwatching. There are a wide range of topics, and an equally wide choice of venues around the country. Come on a fun 1-day workshop, or stay for a longer course and really make the most of the opportunities for bird watching that the venues offer.  

Which course is for me?
-Bird Identification (Beginner's) focuses on the 50 most common birds (mostly familiar garden species) and look at how to identify birds principally by sight, as well as increasing your repertoire of species in the wider countryside.
-Bird Identification (Improver's) takes this a stage further, and also looks at bird songs and calls to help you identify common species by sound. Again, the range of species is increased and consideration of habitat is also included to help your identification skills. Either course can be attended in isolation, or the Intermediate course can follow neatly on from the Beginner's course.
-Bird Identification Residential Course This course combines the contents of both the 1-day workshops, but allows much more practical time in the field, covering various habitats and encountering a fantastic range of species in these inspiring locations.
-Bird Surveys Techniques Find out about the myriad of methods used to survey birds, and find out how easy it is, and how much fun! Designed to help you learn about,
and develop confidence in, the main methods used by BTO surveys in a relaxed and enjoyable situations. Particular attention is paid to Bird Atlas 2007-11, Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and BirdTrack.
-Bird Ringing Taster Course. Find out what bird ringing is all about, with experienced BTO ringing trainers, and learn about the valuable scientific information ringing brings. Watch birds being ringed, up close and personal, and possibly even handle the birds yourself.

Swarovski Optiks joining us on the Beginner's ID courses
We are thrilled this year to welcome Swarovski Optiks along to our Beginner's ID courses at Cotswold Water Park and at The Nunnery. Swarovski binoculars will be available for you to use during the practical sessions, and a brief presentation will explain how birdwatching optics work, and what to look for when buying binoculars, telescopes and cameras of any brand.

How much does it cost? Costs vary depending on the course, but 1-day workshops are usually £45 (including all materials and tea/coffee). Residential ID and Bird Survey Techniques cost £170 and include all materials and full board and lodgings for the duration of the course (2½ days). Please contact Ringing ringing@bto.org for more details about the Ringing Taster Courses.

How can I find out more?
Have a look at our website www.bto.org/training where there's lots more information about the courses we offer or e-mail Su Gough BTO Training Officer on info@bto.org or call her on 01842 750050.