Waterbirds

One of our great wildlife spectacles are huge flocks of wintering water birds. Waders, ducks, geese, swans and gulls, there are a huge range of species and lots of exciting identification challenges to get to grips with.

Many of these birds travel long distances between their breeding grounds and wintering areas, this adds to their intrigue. Where have our birds come from and where are they going to? This course looks at the identification of waterbirds, the incredible journeys they make and why the UK is so important for these birds.

This is a blended learning module so will involve both online and in-person teaching. The online section of the module is delivered via Blackboard, our online learning environment. You will complete three self-paced, introductory units online before attending a day of in-person teaching at an ecology venue in Wales. Following the course, you will complete a final online unit and submit your assessments. Your tutor will provide online support for the duration of the course.

The in-person teaching will occur on a Saturday at an ecology venue in Wales. On the Saturday, students will need to attend from 10-4pm.

Waterbirds can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also a key module for the Certificate of Higher Education in Ecology. Although not essential, we would recommend you complete Introduction to Bird Identification before enrolling on Waterbirds.

Assessments
1. Bird Profile (25%)
2. Short essay 1000 words (75%)

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4