Birdwatching For Beginners

Have you ever wanted to try birdwatching?

During this course we will examine binoculars and telescopes and how to get the best from them. We will look at field guides and field notes and how best to make use of them. We will examine fieldcraft and how to choose a ‘local patch’ to watch near where you live.

Bird song and call is a prerequisite to both finding and identifying a species. Well also examine the law and birds and how that relates to what you may or may not do in the field.
We’ll be visiting local sites to put into practice what we have learnt.

Please note: This course is not part of the Biodiversity learning framework, this course is organised by Flatford Mill and the tutor.

This course is not included in the BBCWildlife offer

About the tutor

Carl Chapman

Carl Chapman runs a wildlife tour business based in North Norfolk and has done so for the last 14 years. He runs tours around Norfolk as well as other parts of East Anglia and other parts of the UK looking at birds as well as ther wildlife. Carl also is a qualified photographer and teaches wildlife photography. He is a qualified ornithologist and also has a keen interest in cetology. Carl is Norfolk’s Cetacean Recorder and works for several charities including Sea Watch Foundation, AFON (A Focus on Nature) and BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue). He also chaired the NNNS (Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society) through its 150th year and still plays an active role chairing the Liaison Committee of the Society which actively protects the county’s wildlife.

About Flatford Mill

We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is un-suitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible. Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Explore our range of nature courses hosted by our engaging tutors and learn from their expertise and knowledge. Our nature experiences are a chance to meet like-minded people, a chance to unwind from everyday life, and a great opportunity to experience the UK’s glorious wildlife and the surrounding countryside of our field centres.

Example Timetable

Arrival Day

Check-in is between 1400-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.