Bird class

**Please read to the end before signing up as this one requires a bit more effort (and a little expense) than a regular meetup and may not be for everyone**

I would like to try something different at the next meetup. I've been finding it slightly frustrating that, despite running this group for over 18 months now, most people coming on the walks still have absolutely no idea what they're looking at. I would like to change that. I'm proposing to run a beginner's bird class this winter that will aim to build up your knowledge and skills during a series of roughly fortnightly meetings. I feel that this will make future group trips more rewarding.

If this takes off, I may cover other wildlife in later classes.

The general plan will be to meet in a pub on a weeknight for the class and then a few days later to head out on a field trip to find the birds we've been learning about. The class will work as follows:

1. Everyone will need to buy a copy of the book (details below). Each week I will ask you before the class to read about a particular group of birds.

2. We will meet in a pub on a weekday evening. In the class, I will discuss the birds you have been reading about and prepare some handouts providing key local knowledge explaining when and where you can see each within our region. There won't be any pictures so you will need to bring your book along to follow the discussion (hence, don't buy the hardback!). You can also ask questions about what you've read. I will also discuss specialist topics in each class: e.g. in the first we will look at how to read the range maps in the book, in later classes we might discuss migration or bird song.

3. The following weekend, we will visit a local nature reserve to find the birds we have been studying. These trips will be reserved for those on the class.

what you need for this class:

1. you need to buy a copy of the book before the first class:
Collins Bird Guide by Svensson, Mullarney, Zetterstrom (see photo)
costs about £15 new, but you can buy it used from your favourite tax-dodging online retailer for less than the price of a pint. Note: you don't need to buy the latest edition, 1st or 2nd editions will be fine.

2. you need a pair of decent binoculars (8x42 size). These are essential for the field trips as you really can't see anything without them. some people have been coming to events with toy binos that look like they've fallen out of a christmas cracker : sorry but these won't do. i can advise on buying some binos for the course, which you can pick up at some of the reserves.

3. we will be visiting RSPB and WWT reserves. there is an entrance fee for these (in addition to meetup fees). you may wish to become a member. (if you join wwt, they will give you a copy of the collins guide)

4. you also need to be able to get to the reserves, many are not accessible by public transport.

5. there will be a charge of £1 per event to cover meetup costs

Details of first meetup

For the first class we will be studying: DUCKS

ducks are a good place for beginners to start because they are brightly coloured, distinctive, and don't move too fast. there are about 10 commonly seen ducks, plus a few more unusual ones, so it's not too hard to get the hang of them.

please prepare for the class by reading the section in your books on ducks. These are listed under "wildfowl" near the start of the book, and are divided into Dabbling ducks, Diving ducks and Sawbills. The first one will be the Mallard. Keep reading until you reach Red Breasted Merganser. Look at pictures, read descriptions, look at range maps. Note that not every bird listed is found in the UK, so skip these.

what will happen on the night

We will be meeting in a Wetherspoons pub for the simple reason that I think we should be able to get a large table without booking here.

we will meet from 6pm for drinks and food if you wish.

class will start at 7pm and last about 1-2 hrs or so.

after, those that wish can stay for social drinks.

Remember to sign up for the linked field trip on Sunday, which will be to Burton Mere.

Hopefully this will be of interest to a few people. If anything is unclear please post questions below.