Buckhurst Hill Community Association Classes in art, crafts and leisure activities

Birdwatching An introduction to Birdwatching in the Lea Valley An introduction to Birdwatching in the Lea Valley and an opportunity to find out about the great variety of bird life in this natural reserve from SE Herts RSPB Group leader. Suitable for beginners and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge. Thursday morning   Terry Smith 9.30am -12.30  Fee: £81.80   Fee is for eight field trips: 27 Oct, 24 Nov, 15 Dec, 26 Jan, 23 Feb, 29 March, 26 April, 17 May. Aim: To provide a basic introduction to bird watching as a hobby. Objectives: The students will: 1.  Gain knowledge of local birds and habitat according to season. 2.  Understand the methods of birdwatching and bird finding. 3.  Practice the skills needed to find and identify birds in the field. Method: Birdwatching is not a subject to be studied and learned in a classroom. This course will be fieldwork based. The first class on 15th Sept. will start at Bedford House at 10 am with an hour (approx.) in the classroom before moving to Connaught Water to begin fieldwork. The other field trips will each last 3 hours in the morning starting at 9.30 a.m. at a site in the Lea Valley Park. The trips will all be within easy reach of Buckhurst Hill. Personal transport is needed, but we will try to arrange car-sharing at the first meeting. The field trips will have two dimensions: 1.  to study birds - resident, visitors and migrants - according to season. 2.  to explore local habitats so the students become familiar with where to go to watch birds in their own time. The course will provide the opportunity for advice on developing the hobby and on places further afield to visit. Field Guides You will need a book called a field guide, which is small enough to pocket but which has enough information to help identity birds seen. There are a lot on the market, and choice is a matter of personal taste, for example how the pictures are drawn. Probably the best guide is a Collins book, Bird Guide by Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom, Grant. Its drawings show what to look for to identify birds. The paperback is the lightest version to get, but cover it in plastic to protect it. It costs £16.99. Clothes You will need stout shoes or walking boots, and wellies may be useful if it's wet. Best to bring everything and take my advice on what to wear when you arrive. Winter birdwatching can be cold, so lots of warm layers are useful. A waterproof outer coat and leggings are essential, ( muted colours are preferable ). Pollocks in Loughton have a good range of clothing and footwear. The Rest Unless you already have them, I would advise you against buying other expensive items such as telescopes or tripods - until you have got used to birdwatching and tried other people's equipment. You will get opportunities to use my telescope on the course. I will be pleased to advise anyone joining the course on purchasing equipment at any time before or during the course.