Learn out how to identify birds by both sight and sound on this introductory course

This Study Day will provide participants with a better understanding of how to identify birds by their songs and key features, with particular emphasis on the birds present at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve at this time of year. The timing of mid-May is perfect for the course, as birdsong will be at its peak.

This course will be delivered through a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions. The day will begin with an indoor morning session where you will learn what to look for when identifying birds and the purpose of birds songs and calls, with tips for remembering the commoner ones.

You will then be given an introduction to the birds found at Sevenoaks reserve at this time of year and advice on choosing and using binoculars. This will be followed by an outdoor morning session where we will try to find and identify some of the birds discussed earlier.

After lunch there will be a further indoor session to review the species identified in the morning and what we found easy/hard in identifying the birds. You will learn about bird migration with emphasis on summer migrants at the reserve. Advice will be given on where to watch birds in the local area and recommendations for apps, books, websites etc. A further (optional) outdoor session will follow.

By the end of the course it is expected that you will know more about:

1. The key features that can be used to identify birds.

2. The importance of songs and calls

3. Bird migration.

4. Places to find birds in the local area.

5. Selection and use of binoculars.

6. Other resources available to improve your birdwatching.

Suitable for beiginners and improvers

Led by Peter Smart. Experienced local birdwatcher. Walk leader and survey organiser for the RSPB Bromley Local Group. Also, an ambassador for the BTO Garden Birdwatch Survey.

P hoto: Nuthatch(Tony Swandale)

Please note that the actual venue for this course is Oak Lodge, a cottage close to the visitor centre at Sevenoaks Wildife Reserve. If you look directly at the visitor centre and then go right, you will see a large circular sign on the front of Oak Lodge itself. See also Google maps (https://goo.gl/maps/HtAVZmcNE3XAWq816)for the location of Oak Lodge.

Parking charges apply at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve but this is included with your ticket if you book at least 72 hours in advance. To receive free parking you must email the correct number plate of the car you will be using to parkingcharges@kentwildlife.org.uk at least 72 hours before the event start time. Please include the date of the event you have booked and the name the booking was made in as part of your email. If you are booking within 72 hours of the event, or do not confirm your number plate by this time, you will need to pay for parking on the day.

For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website. (https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/wildlife-study-days)

Description supplied by the event organiser.