The joys of being at one with Nature and Birds - SPRING AWAKENING
FRIDAY 25th - SUNDAY 27th MARCH 2022
SPRING AWAKENING…
The second half of March sees the transition from winter to spring and Bawdsey Hall is blessed with some amazing migration watch-points, estuarine and heathland sites only a short distance away. The first Wheatears, Black Redstarts and Sand Martins should be back and our resident birds will be singing and holding their territories. These include: Woodlarks, Dartford Warblers and Stonechats on the nearby Sandling Heaths. The Deben Estuary is viewable from the Hall where populations of wintering waders of national importance can be seen. East Lane Ponds are a series of freshwater reservoirs that hosts a diversity of wintering wildfowl.
The course provides opportunities to view migrants on the coast, heathland birds and a range of waders and wildfowl at close quarters, which should improve identification skills. Expect a combination of indoor sessions covering the basics of bird identification and outdoor excursions to nearby sites that will build confidence in the field.
Time will be divided between watching and listening to birds out in the field and working indoors reviewing and revising what has been learned. As many species as possible will be sought out to view in ‘real time’ however there will also be opportunity to use the latest online technology to cover those species that may elude us, to ensure you have as full a picture as possible. There will be fine to explore Bawdsey Hall's gardens where a plethora of spring migrants can be found that are either stopping to breed or are passing through to more northern climes.
This course aims to provide you with the following:
An overview of migrant, heathland and estuarine birds.
Learning the songs and calls of resident birds and tips on how to remember them.
Identification pointers for a range of common birds.
Specific guidance on distinguishing between similar-looking birds.
Learning the art of fieldcraft
Opportunity to practice your identification skills in the field.
Weather permitting and if available, we may organise a bird ringing demonstrations that will enable you to get really ‘close-up and personal’ with some of the birds. Seeing birds in the hand under the guidance of expert trainers 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 especially prepared feeding areas each evening at Bawdsey Hall which can be viewed from your bedroom window. With the wildlife spectacular on offer there certainly is 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 an spectacular birding weekend.
COST:
2 nights/3days (Friday- Sunday courses):
£400 per person
