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Science and Nature

Identifying Garden Birds: Fieldtrip

Course Times & Enrolment

Monday 3rd March 2025, (Code SN116-207) Monday 3rd March 2025, 10:30am - 12:30pm • (One-day course) Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh • Tutor: Sue Lewis BSc MSc PhD
This course is now closed for enrolments

Course Summary

Visit a local garden and learn how to carry out a bird census during the winter months, like the RSPB garden bird watch.

This short field trip is perfect for anybody who would like to gain confidence in identifying garden birds. Our avian expert will support you in using keys and field guides to carry out a scientific census of birds at the field site.

This field trip involves walking on uneven surfaces for distances of up to 2 km. Students need to make their own way to the meeting point for the field trip. NO TRANSPORT IS PROVIDED.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

The course is designed to suit anyone with an interest in birds, from beginners to those wishing to deepen their knowledge in avian diversity, evolution, behaviour, ecology and conservation.

Special Information

Suitable outdoor clothing and drinking water, binoculars, watch, notebook and pencil.

Content of Course

1. Visit a local garden.

2. Set up with binoculars, field guide and notepad.

3. Carry out to the census.

4. Record the data correctly.

Teaching method(s)

Carry out a garden bird census using the correct scientific method.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Use bird identification keys / guides confidently;

  • Carry out a bird census;

  • Recognise the importance of monitoring wild birds.

Sources

Web Sources

Before arriving on the fieldtrip, you might find it useful to browse the following websites:

https://www.gardenbird.co.uk/garden-birds

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.