Taking part in BTO surveys is both fun and rewarding and to help you get the most from your survey work, we run a range of training courses designed to increase your skills and confidence. As well as perfecting individual survey techniques through both classroom sessions and practical outdoors, we also believe that it helps if you understand why we surveys are run the way they are and which method works best in which circumstance. The courses are relevant to anyone who is, or wants to be involved in surveying and monitoring birds either for the BTO or for other purposes, either professionally or voluntarily.

During the Bird Survey Techniques courses (both the 1-day workshops and the longer, more in depth residential ones) we look at general survey principles before examining several methods in more detail. Using BTO surveys as our examples, for the theory sessions and out in the field, you will quickly get a comprehensive overview of survey methods. The various courses are held around the country, and you can book on any course, perhaps depending on proximity to where you live, or possibly you may like to visit an entirely different part of the country, to give you a chance to explore the habitats and birds of the area.

We have run training courses for several years and they always prove very popular and book up quickly, so early booking is recommended – but it is always worth checking to see if we can squeeze you in as different venues cater for differing numbers of participants.

As in previous years, we are continuing to increase the number and range of courses we are offering. For 2008 we are pleased to offer courses on Bird Survey Techniques, Bird Identification, Breeding Bird Survey and Atlas methodology as well as Bird Ringing. For more information on Ringing Courses, visit the ringing section of our website by clicking here.

New for 2008

Our 1-day Bird Identification courses, run by Steve Piotrowski proved a great success in 2007 and as well as offering more of these courses this year we are also introducing a new course. ‘Bird Identification: Intermediate’ is an ideal choice if you want to improve your bird id, both by sight and sound, and to increase your range of species. This course can either be attended in isolation, or can follow neatly on from the Beginners course, see below for details of dates and venues.

Bird Survey Techniques Courses:

We offer both 1-day workshops and residential courses.

Our one-day courses run from 10am until mid afternoon (usually about 4pm). Indoor theory and brief outdoor practical sessions help everyone to understand the whys and wherefores of each method and to gain confidence in the target survey methods. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch, but the price does include tea and coffee, although each venue does vary and some offer a café facility, so check with us beforehand.

Whilst giving an overview of all main methods, our 1-day workshops will have two methodologies as a focus. This year they will concentrate both on the exciting new BirdAtlas 2007-2011 as well as the BTO Breeding Bird Survey.

Our 2 ½ day residential courses are all based at Field Studies Council centres, which make an ideal venue, allowing valuable practical experience in beautiful, bird rich areas. These longer courses look in more detail at the topics covered in the one-day courses, and also investigate more specialist survey techniques, such as single-species surveys and nest recording, for example. In addition the practical sessions are much longer and give plenty of time for everyone to really get to grips with them. The cost of the courses includes full board from supper on the first night, breakfast, lunch and supper on the second day, and breakfast and lunch on the final day. Accomodation for 2 nights is also included in the price, and offer excellent value for money. The fantastic locations of the centres, and the more relaxed timing of these courses allows us to explore the local areas as well.

All courses are led by experienced BTO staff and members, and participants will receive a survey pack, providing all the fieldwork forms needed for the outdoor sessions, a copy of the course notes and a specially produced CD of bird songs and calls. Practical sessions are carried out in small groups, so that there is a high level of tutor to participant help. Survey Techniques Courses are open to both amateurs and professionals with a basic knowledge of bird songs and calls, these are NOT designed as bird identification courses.

More details on contents of the Bird Survey Techniques Courses are available as a downloadable Word document or an Acrobat Reader.pdf file

One-day Courses – more venues and dates will be added, so please keep checking the website for new courses.

Residential Courses – dates confirmed, bookings being taken now!

Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre Suffolk

Bird Identification: Beginners Courses:

Aimed primarily at those either entering into birdwatching for the first time, those who are familiar with garden birds but would like to expand their knowledge, or those familiar with common birds by sight, but wanting help learning songs and calls.

Bird Identification: Intermediate Courses:

New for 2008! An excellent next-step from the beginner’s courses, for those wishing to improve on their bird identification – especially by sound, expanding their repertoire of familiar species and gaining in confidence with more difficult species. The venues on offer for 2008 are:

Click here to download an information sheet on these new courses.

In addition to our ID courses FSC are running Bird Identification Residential Courses at Flatford Mill, run by Steve Piotrowski and Edward Jackson. For more information, dates and prices please refer to the FSC website www.field-studies-council.org/professional/ or phone 0845 330 7368 or e-mail enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org

If you would like further information about the course contents, venues and leaders, please contact Su Gough email . For availability of places or details of cost and to book your place contact Robin Anderson email .

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