Last call for ten weeks of birdsong + new Sussex events
Get ready for spring with new ways to learn birdsong
The weather hasn’t made it easy for us to enjoy the birdsong lately, but the Chiffchaffs are arriving (and the first Swallows, and the Alpine Swifts - what?). Once the wind and the rain abates, there will be birds to be heard.
Why not tune your ears with courses, walks and virtual events from Birdsong Academy this spring?
We have ideas to suit different budgets, locations and levels of enthusiasm…
The ten-week Birdsong Essentials course begins again
From the beginning of April, join a friendly bunch across the UK and Ireland learning the basics of spring birdsong together. You get:
Step-by-step audio lessons on the different kinds of bird sound, ways to learn and techniques to identify 25+ common species by ear
Four live Zoom group practice / Q&A sessions (including dawn chorus call on International Dawn Chorus Day)
‘What’s this?’ audio identification support from course leader throughout the course
A dedicated WhatsApp group for group participants and the course leader (optional)
Ongoing access to Birdsong Academy audio guides to 65+ species after the course.
I am absolutely loving the course so far, thank you for putting it together. I had a wonderful moment last week when out walking, where I suddenly heard a Blackbird alarming, so turned around - and there was a Barn Owl! Just a few weeks ago, I would not have recognised the alarm call and never would have turned around and seen the owl.
- Chloe Harrison, current course student
The is the second of the two runs for the year - after this it’s 2024!
If the standard fee’s too much of an obstacle, don’t let it stop you. There are two lower-cost places available (£60, payable in three instalments). If you would like more details please get in touch.
Sussex guided walks - new venue
As well the walks in Stanmer Park near Brighton, this spring sees events at a new venue, Herstmonceux Castle Estate near Hailsham. I know, it’s posh. There are also lots of birds there.
Each ‘walkshop’ event includes audio lessons before the day for a handful or target species, and a morning’s gentle walking and listening to find the real thing in the trees.
You can see all the latest events on the Birdsong Academy box office page.
Now singing…
Late March is a great time to listen for our local Treecreepers and Chiffchaffs, as well as rarer species such as Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Woodlark.
These are among several species recently featured over on Shriek of the Week. If you’re not already on it, and you’d like a weekly bird sound in your inbox, you can subscribe for free.
More ways to learn:
Join a free early morning Zoom call with me - the next is Saturday 22 April
A free event for Hailsham residents - dawn chorus along the Cuckoo Trail, Good Friday.
Download the amazing Merlin app to your phone
Catch up with Attenborough’s Wonder of Song on iPlayer
That’s it! If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please get in touch. And I hope you enjoy plenty of birds this spring.
~ Charlie