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Even in an urban environment the variety of species and their distinctive behaviours can be observed and better understood under the guidance of an engaging, experienced expert in the field.
An engaging course to introduce novices to our feathered neighbours in nature; learners will appreciate the basic biology of a bird and how that model has been illimitably adapted!
Location: Quarry Bank Mill near Manchester Airport
This course is taking place in the beautiful Quarry Bank Mill, in Cheshire near Manchester. A wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by the very best of local scenery and historical architecture.
SatNav: Use SK9 4HP and follow brown heritage signs
This introductory course provides a gentle introduction, covering aspects of common bird biology, ecology and behaviour. There will be ample time to explore your surrounding environment allowing you to spot some species and learn valuable field observational skills as you start out your journey into the birding world. Be inspired and engaged by the expertise of our specialist tutor and enjoy being surrounded by likeminded individuals to share your interests.
If you’re interested in finding out more about birds but don’t feel quite ready for a specific field ID course, then this course is for you!
There is no accommodation provided with this course
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached
Who Should Attend?
Nature enthusiasts, Students, Rangers, Early career ecologists, Keen birdwatchers.
Knowledge Level
Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Eco-Skills Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge
No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course. Just a willingness to explore and learn.
What will be covered during this course?
- An introduction to bird biology
- An introduction to bird ecology
- An overview of common garden birds encountered
- An overview of bird calls and songs (season dependent)
Please note that this course is NOT a species identification course
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe basic bird taxonomy, anatomy, and morphology
- Understand the basics of bird life cycles and behaviour
- Recognise groups of common birds and how they are adapted to their habitat in behaviour and morphology
- Identify several species of commonly encountered birds
- Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers
This is a place-based training course from Eco-Skills, including a balance of classroom-led learning to impart important knowledge and irreplaceable hands-on outdoor learning opportunities to give individuals skills and confidence.
After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning within the Birds learning framework through further relevant FSC courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The FSC offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the course and the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our fantastic tutor Anne Bletchley will combine the use of classroom-led learning and outside learning opportunities to give individuals the skills and confidence to learn more about the lives and ecology of birds.
- See the ‘Example Timetable’ and ‘What’s Included’ sections below for more information about this course.
- Upon booking you will need to provide individual details of all attendees
- Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses.
- Discounted rates
- Privately run courses for your group
- Bespoke courses developed specifically for your needs
Tutor: Anne Brenchley
Anne was born and brought up in Kent and has been a keen birdwatcher from a very early age. She was awarded a Zoology degree and a PhD from Aberdeen University (studying Rooks) and went on to spend most of her working career, until 2011, with Natural England and its predecessors. She has been a Regional Rep for the British Trust for Ornithology since 2000 in Flintshire and Wrexham, organising and taking part in surveys and also helping other volunteers. She is also a fully qualified bird ringer and the main author of the Breeding Birds of North Wales published in 2013. Anne is now an independent ecological/horticultural consultant and lead birdwatching/wildlife walks on a weekly basis.
Covid Measures
In order to keep our customers and staff safe, we ask that anyone attending our centres:
- Wears a face covering when in shared indoor space (unless exempt).
- Maintains social distancing.
- Cleans their hands regularly.
- Takes a Covid-19 test before they arrive.
Book with Confidence
We understand the difficulties of making plans in the current situation when guidelines continue to change, and insurance conditions are being tightened. In response, we will continue to offer additional flexibility. Find out more here
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect
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- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am
- The course will end at 5:00pm
| 10:00am | Introductions | |
| 10:45am | Classroom session covering Basic Bird Biology:
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| 11:15am | Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided | |
| 11:30am | Guided walk to do initial observations of birds and identify habitats | |
| 12:30pm | Classroom session covering Basic Bird Ecology
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| 1:00pm | Lunch – Not provided | |
| 1:45pm | Classroom session covering common garden and parkland bird identification
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| 2:15pm | Guided walk to apply classroom knowledge | |
| 4:00pm | Classroom session covering further strategies for common garden and parkland bird identification
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| 4:30pm | Review learning
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| 5:00pm | End of course |
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
What’s included?
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the FSC is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing an FSC course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
PLEASE NOTE lunch, refreshments and accommodation are not included
Before You Attend
Before you attend:
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Camera to capture images
- Packed lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Binoculars (if you have them)
- Please bring your own refreshments & pack lunch
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make any necessary adjustments.
Sorry this course has ended
