Summary • The course is based near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and runs over a full year. There is an introductory weekend, followed by four study weekends, one in each season. • Each weekend includes a day in the ‘classroom’ and a day in the 'field' putting into practice what has been covered during the ‘classroom’ day. • Self-study takes place between these weekends through weekly input via a private Facebook page, with guidance on what to focus on and how to keep notes in Field Notebooks. • Continual mentoring is available via this Facebook page, to work on tricky species and provide other ID hints and tips - also to ensure the students’ Field Notebooks are on track. • The assessment is split between an assessment of the students’ field notebooks, an assessment in the ‘field’ in spring, to include recognition of birds by sight, but also by calls and songs and a written test on identification knowledge. • The overall marking is divided between the three elements, with 50% for the field notebook and 25% each for field ID and the written test. There are two pass categories: Pass; 60-80%, Distinction; 80%+. • LANTRA (a nationally recognised awarding organisation, specialising in training and qualifications) has accredited the course, so that successful participants will be awarded a LANTRA Certificate of Training. Schedule • The 2025 course will take place over an introductory weekend in March, plus one study weekend in each of the four periods: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. • Your trainer will be available throughout the 12-month course to discuss any problems or discuss the identification of species etc. • A list of species students are expected to identify will be provided. You should be able to identify males and females, including any variation in plumage through the year, plus typical bird calls and songs and know what habitat and at what time of year each species is found in the Cairngorms National Park.