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Wildfowl and Waterbirds Masterclass
This large group of birds includes ducks, geese and swans, divers, grebes and Shag and Cormorant and many present their own challenges in identification. While focussing on those found in the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding area.
Provider
Speyside Wildlife, Aviemore
£195.00
Enquire via the Speyside Wildlife website.
Description
Dates: 16-17 November 2024 Aims of the course This large group of birds includes ducks, geese and swans, divers, grebes and Shag and Cormorant and many present their own challenges in identification. Grey Geese can be tricky, as can female ducks and males in non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, also divers and grebes in winter. While focussing on those found in the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding area, species from elsewhere in the UK will also be covered. We’ll look at plumage, size and shape, calls, habitat, time of year they are here and a variety of other useful tips and hints that can help with identification and telling difficult species apart. What to Expect • The course is based near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and runs over two days, with a day in the ‘classroom’ and a day in the ‘field’. • The ‘classroom’ day will cover various aspects of wildfowl recognition including plumage, structure and flight, plus how to tell more difficult species apart and other useful hints and tips. • The ‘field’ day will be out in suitable habitat for a selection of species, to put into practice what was learned the day before. • Prior to the course date you will receive joining instructions detailing the structure of the weekend and what to bring with you. You will need binoculars and if you have a telescope, you may find it useful. We recommend the Collins Bird Guide for identification purposes but if you have another field guide, please bring it with you.
About Speyside Wildlife
If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking, or to feel confident that you can tell the difference between a buzzard and an eagle as you scan the hills, then our year-long wildlife identification course in the Cairngorms National Park is for you. We teach you the ‘how to do it’ of wildlife identification, to work things out for yourself, either by sight or sound, whilst you’re out and about. You may wish to join for personal career development, at the start of your career as a wildlife tour guide, or just for your own enjoyment and complete beginners are very welcome. If however you can’t commit to that length of study, but want to enhance your skills on any aspect of birdwatching, then one of our weekend Masterclasses may fit the bill. We concentrate on a particular group of birds, or a particular skillset, again giving you tips and hints on the ‘how to do it’ of identification. All courses are led by Speyside Wildlife guides and trainers.
Women in Agriculture
The Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund has been established by Scottish Government to support the personal development of women, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in Scottish agriculture beyond their current role.
Next Generation Practical Training
The Next Generation Practical Training Fund has been established by Scottish Government with an aim to support those relatively new to agriculture, by providing the opportunity for skills development and training on the practicalities of agricultural practice as well as wider business and sustainability skills, in order to help them secure, sustain and progress their careers.
