Discovering Garden Birds: Identification and Ecology – Online

For many of us living in towns and cities, the easiest way to connect with nature is through observing our regular garden visitors. The course begins with an overview of basic bird biology and ecology, looking at how birds have evolved and the shared characteristics between all species. Later topics focus on identifying garden birds and exploring the use of bird song.

This is a 4-week online course covering 4 topics, for which you will complete a variety of self-led online resources and activities. Each topic is then concluded with an interactive Zoom workshop to complement the online content. Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a week and an E-certificate is provided upon completion.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Describe the taxonomy, anatomy, and morphology of birds.
• Explain general bird ecology e.g., life cycle, diet, habitats and niches.
• Describe and identify common UK garden birds.
• Explain why birds sing and describe differences between bird song.
• Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, Students, Rangers, Early career ecologists.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – Existing knowledge and understanding of bird terminology would be beneficial for this course.

Please note that bookings will close 2 working days before the course start date to allow for all participants to be enrolled to the online platform – bookings will not be taken after this time. Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached

Understand how our online courses are delivered .

Live Webinar Information

There are 4 webinars for this course, taking place at the end of each week. Please see the date listing below for the day and time.

Please note – webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning platform for learners unable to attend.

Sandy Hill

Sandy worked for the Field Studies Council for over a decade, teaching at 9 centres in England and Wales. Having recently retired, he’s now exploring more of Pembrokeshire as a keen birder and enthusiastic natural historian. However, he is happiest when able to share his knowledge and love of the environment.

Week 1: Bird Biology
Self-study material available at course start date
Week 1 live webinar

Week 2: Bird Ecology
Self-study material available: after week 1 webinar
Week 2 live webinar at end of week 2

Week 3: UK Garden Birds
Self-study material available after week 2 webinar
Week 3 live webinar at end of week 3

Week 4: Types of Bird Song
Self-study material available after week 3 webinar
Week 4 live webinar at end of week 4

Time commitment: This course will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week. This includes covering course materials on our Moodle learning platform and the zoom session.

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  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build on your knowledge as the course progresses. With content crafted to the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

The course includes:

• 45-minute interactive Zoom workshops to connect with the tutor and other participants.
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned.
• Exercises to work on independently in advance of each Zoom workshop.
• Tailored course certificate upon completion

Once registered, you will follow well-illustrated, user friendly ’books’ to pick up knowledge. Quizzes and skill-checks will give you instant feedback on your learning. Forums give students the chance to interact with each other as well as a place to share work.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Accessing Your Course

Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
Webinars are via Zoom so you won’t need any new software to attend.

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.