Bird Songs and Calls - Higham Hall
Higham Hall
Type
Blackcaps are not the most visible birds but they are definitely the most audible. Knowing the songs of birds like these is an invaluable skill.
The vocalisations of birds are invaluable aids to help us in their identification but the process of learning them all may seem daunting and never-ending. Fortunately most species have a repertoire which is unique, enabling confident identification, even in the absence of a view. Such calls and songs can also draw our attention to the existence of a bird which may otherwise go un-noticed. This short course will provide the necessary starting point for beginners as well as enabling others, with more experience, to add to their knowledge. Three full days will be spent in the glorious surroundings and varied habitats of the North Lakes at the time of year when birds are at their most vocal.
4 nights - double room occupancy. (single supplement applies to single room occupancy) Breakfast, Lunch, Evening meal. Travel costs whilst on event.
Travel costs to and from venue. Evening meal on last day of event.
Higham Hall is one of only a handful of independent residential colleges in the north of England providing a range of open learning experiences for adults. Once people discover Higham they tend to return again and again, often for many years, such is the joy of simply spending intelligent time with like-minded people in such charismatic surroundings.
Higham’s main activity is now as an independent Educational Trust attracting around 3,000 adults each year on over 250 courses of lengths from half a day to up to a week. People come from Cumbria, the North of England, Scotland and further afield. No qualifications needed, just a desire to enjoy learning, and the warmest Cumbrian hospitality.
DAY ONE
5 - 6 pm Residents and non-residents check in at reception. A member of staff will allocate residents’ bedrooms and help with any queries.
7.45 - 9.15 p.m. Introductions. Presentation: Bird Sounds; why and how they sing and call.
DAY TWO
9am – 5pm
Today we will start locally, around the bird-rich gardens of Higham Hall where many species will be in full song already. This is a perfect chance to begin to learn or to increase your confidence with songs and calls of some of the more common species. Lunch at Higham followed by a trip to Wythop Mill which is excellent for a range of oak woodland species. The marshy country of Dubwath Silver Meadows nearby will be our last stop for the day.
Packed Lunch
7.45 - 9.15 pm Re-cap of the day and reminder of the key bird songs and calls.
DAY THREE
9am – 5pm
Our journey today will take us over the impressive Newlands Pass and down to Crummock Water. The onset of spring will be clear with many species already setting out territory and we will be stopping at various points to note all the sounds we encounter. A nice trail around the lake will be the perfect spot for lunch after which we well return to Whinlatter Forest for conifer woodland species
Packed lunch
7.45 – 9.15pm Re-cap of the day and reminder of the key bird songs and calls.
DAY FOUR
It is easy to overlook the importance of the sounds of coastal birds and today we will head for the Solway and spend some time exploring a number of sites in the area such as Campfield Marsh, Bowness Common and Drumburgh Moss. These sites will give us an opportunity to listen to the calls of waders and wildfowl as well as species found on the surrounding farmland and the raised bogs.
Packed lunch
7.45 – 9.15pm Re-cap of the day and reminder of the key bird songs and calls.
DAY FIVE
Breakfast and depart
Course materials to be brought by student:
Binoculars, notebook. (telescope optional).
Clothing should be water/wind proof, warm and ideally inconspicuous in colour. Don’t forget gloves.
Footwear should be walking boots or Wellingtons. The ground will be wet in places.
A small rucksack to carry lunch/flask and something waterproof to sit on will be necessary.
RSPB members – please bring your membership cards
Suggested Reading:
Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide to Birdwatching.
Collins Bird Guide.
Other Information:
The programme may be varied according to weather conditions.
In order to properly explore the sites there will be a certain amount of walking, sometimes over rough ground and/or over stiles. It is essential that you are reasonably mobile. However, all destinations have been chosen based upon relatively easy gradients and good paths. Also each day has planned in a significant time for sitting and watching – the pace will be leisurely.
