Join Steve Willis for a morning session refreshing your ID skills, especially for bird songs and calls. We'll spend some time going over the songs of more common species and listen out for them outdoors, adding records to BirdTrack as we go. We'll learn about the methods for the Breeding Bird Survey and then put them into practise outdoors. It will be supportive group training in an outdoor setting. There will be plenty of time to practise and ask questions, to increase your understanding and confidence with the survey method. This event is suitable for people who are considering taking part in the Breeding Bird Survey, and those who have done so a few times but want to build confidence and ask questions about the finer points of the survey. By taking part in the survey you’ll be making a really valuable contribution. This survey allows us to track changes in bird populations across the UK, helping us to inform their future protection.

Although an important survey, BBS requires only around six hours of your time each year, and all it involves is two visits to a 1-km square, where you’ll note the birds present.You can add records to BirdTrack anywhere, and at any time of year! 

Whether you’re thinking of taking part in the survey for the first time or an existing volunteer who’d like a refresher, be sure to join us at this welcoming and supportive session

The event will take place somewhere in Ochiltree, Ayrshire. This is a great site with a mix of habitats and species.

Bring your own binoculars, bird guide, and notebook plus your own food and drink. Please make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.  

Further information about the meeting place, car parking, and toilets etc etc will be emailed to registered participants.