Raptors Masterclass
Raptors are notoriously difficult to identify as views may be brief, distant and many are similar in shape. The course helps you recognise the various species and compare those that are tricky to tell apart, covering all regular UK species.
Provider
Speyside Wildlife, AviemoreEnquire via the Speyside Wildlife website.
Description
Dates: February 28- March 01 and September 19-20 2026 Aims of the course Raptors are notoriously difficult to identify as views may be brief or distant and many are similar in shape. The course helps you recognise the various species and compare those that are tricky to tell apart, covering all regular UK species of raptor, with a focus on those found in the Cairngorms National Park including scarcer ones. It will give you a way forward to improve your raptor identification skills, with tips on what to look out for when out in the field. 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 all aspects of raptor plumage, structure, flight, habitat and some calls, how to tell the difficult species apart and a host of 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.
Next Generation Practical Training Fund
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.
