DISCOVERING BIRDS BY SIGHT AND SOUND

DISCOVERING BIRDS BY SIGHT AND SOUND…

Are you curious to find out more about birds and the habitats in which they occur?  If
so, this is the course for you!  It will help you identify birds by sound as well as sight and you will learn about the unique and specialised habitats that Suffolk is known for. Woodlands (both
deciduous and coniferous), heathland, coastal marshes, farmland, estuarine mudflats, saltings and beaches with amazing geological features are all within the immediate vicinity of Bawdsey Hall. Birds will be in full song and staunchly defending their nesting territories from feathered intruders, so there will be lots to see and, more importantly, lots to hear.

There will be evening talks illustrated with slides and videos that will supplement the days will be spent in the field at some of Suffolk’s best birding sites meaning that a good variety of species are likely to be seen.  Typically participants will work as a group however there will be opportunities for individual support.

Locations for field excursions depend on both weather and bird activity but are likely to include some of the following sites:

• Shingle Street

• East Lane coastal scrub and ponds

• Boyton and Hollesley RSPB Reserve

• The Deben Estuary and Ramsholt Marsh

• Hazlewood Marshes

Without doubt, you will have many memories to take home. The course will involve a series of complementary activities to ensure you become familiar with the identification and behaviour of birds which are seen. 

These will include: 

•  Watching birds from a distance in the various habitats

• Viewing birds in close-up at the Bawdsey Hall bird ringing site ( if running)

• Learning the art of fieldcraft

• Learning key visual clues to help you identify species by sight and by their calls

• Learning bird song and key calls to help you identify species on their nesting habitats

Time will be divided between watching and listening to birds out in the field as well as working indoors reviewing and revising what has been learned. As many species as possible will be sought out to view in ‘real time’ but the course will also utilise the latest online technology to cover some of the more elusive species, ensuring you have as full a picture as possible.

Song birds are normally most active during the first few hours after dawn so pre-breakfast bird walks are an important part of the itinerary.  However, the course deliberately doesn’t start any earlier than 0700 as the full cacophony of the dawn chorus at 0400 makes it difficult to learn effectively! The early sessions before breakfast, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, will bearound the grounds of the Hall. Wandering through the Bawdsey Hall gardens should reveal spring migrants that are either stopping to breed or are passing through to more northerly climes.

Weather permitting and if available, bird ringing demonstrations may be organised which will enable you to get ‘close-up and personal’ with some of the birds.  Seeing birds in the
hands of experts is an excellent way of understanding the nuances of bird identification and will reinforce the observations you can make through binoculars.

A range of nocturnal wildlife including Badgers and Owls visit a purposely designed feeding areas most evenings at Bawdsey Hall which can be observed from your bedroom window. With the spectacular wildlife on offer there certainly are all the ingredients of an amazing course.  Despite the obvious wildlife distractions, the luxurious rooms provided by Bawdsey Hall should ensure a good night’s sleep ready for a spectacular birding course.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

2 nights/3days (Friday- Sunday courses):

from £460 (full board) please see booking page for prices.

Day tickets (including breakfast and lunch only)

-Saturday and Sunday £250 (single)

Saturday and Sunday £400 (couple)

GENERAL INFORMATION

The price includes:

• Accommodation at Bawdsey Hall situated on the Suffolk’s Coast Area of Natural Beauty

• All meals.

  • This includes a cooked full English breakfast or Continental Breakfast

  • A packed lunch when on the field

  • An evening meal at a countryside pub on the two evenings. (drinks can purchased directly at the pub with an option to make this 2 or 3 courses if you wished) .

  • Refreshments when on the field and in lectures.

• Tuition in the field during the day, some lectures during the evening (with a slice of cake to keep you replenished)

• Course materials for the residential course.

• Any post course tuition.

ROOM INFORMATION

• Single occupancy

  • Your own spacious private room which have stunning views over the garden and private nature reserve beyond, where you can watch the wildlife go by, including excellent views of our resident Badgers and Tawny Owls at night.

  • Flat-screen TV, with access to wildlife camera on your TV’s in your room.

  • The bathroom is located opposite rooms (bathroom is shared for single occupancy, option for private bathroom with supplement).

  • Bath robes, towels and bathroom amenities are provided.

  • Tea and coffee making facilities.

  • Fridge within your private room.

  • Hospitality tray which include water, cups, glasses and a bottle opener, so you can sit back with a beverage of your choice and relax after your meal at the pub watching Bawdsey Hall’s nocturnal wildlife.

  • Hairdryer in room

  • Individually controlled heating

  • Access to our spacious dining room where lectures/meetings with your group takes place.

• Double/Twin occupancy

  • Your own spacious private room which have stunning views over the garden and private nature reserve beyond, where you can watch the wildlife go by, including excellent views of our resident Badgers and Tawny Owls at night.

  • Flat-screen TV, with access to wildlife camera on your TV’s in your room.

  • A private bathroom is located opposite rooms (a private bathroom is allocated when two people book together as double/twin occupancy/or two single friends can book a separate room and a private bathroom will be between the two of them)

  • Bath robes, towels and bathroom amenities are provided.

  • Tea and coffee making facilities.

  • Fridge within your private room.

  • Hospitality tray which include water, cups, glasses and a bottle opener, so you can sit back with a beverage of your choice and relax after your meal at the pub watching Bawdsey Hall’s nocturnal wildlife.

  • Hairdryer in room

  • Individually controlled heating

  • Access to our spacious dining room where lectures/meetings with your group takes place.

FOOD INFORMATION

Breakfast options includes: yoghurt, cereal, mixed fruit, breads, pastries, fruit juices tea and coffee. If you would rather something more substantial to set you up for the day ahead we also offer a yummy Full English Breakfast. We are able to cater for special dietary requirements but kindly request that you provide us with any requirements when booking.

Your lunch options will be made up for you in the morning and will include a sandwich, fruit, snacks and a drink.

Your evening meal will be ordered when at the pub on the course. The pub is your time to relax and socialise with your tutor and group, so why not relax with a beverage of your choice during your meal, your tutor will be on hand throughout your evening meal to answer any questions.

TRAVEL

Some areas will be within walking distance from Bawdsey but some locations are easier via vehicle. In the interests of the environment, we encourage car sharing where possible, but we shall continue to monitor current guidelines in order to keep all group members safe. If you cannot drive and would require transport please let us know when booking.