Centre of Excellence – Birdwatching Diploma Course

Beginning with an introduction to the subject, you’ll explore some of the important features of birds that birdwatchers look out for, the history of the pastime, birdwatching communities, and the equipment you’ll need and how to use it.

It’s then on to the various methods of bird identification – visual indicators, such as size and colour patterns, and variations of behaviour and sound. We’ll look at birds that are commonly found in the UK and the various classifications of birds and the species within them.

You’ll receive valuable strategies to familiarise yourself with the birds local to your area, including how best to use feeders and birdbaths, and how to plan birdwatching trips to get the most out of them. We’ll also take a deeper look at the birds you can see in the UK during the year depending on the season.

The course concludes with an exploration of the role birds play in our ecosystem, and how you can contribute to bird conservation efforts.

Please note: while this course focuses on UK birdwatching, the knowledge contained within can be used globally.

By studying this course, you will:

• Understand the equipment you’ll need and how to use it
• Explore bird identification methods
• Learn how to use your outdoor space to attract local birds
• Discover how to plan a birdwatching trip
• Become aware of how birdwatching changes with seasonal migration
• Understand the importance of birds for our ecosystems and how to aid conservation