Waterbirds

Overview

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.  

 
Programme

This is a blended learning module so one part of the module is delivered as self-paced online learning units and the other is delivered as a 1 day in-person field teaching session. 
The online content is delivered using Video PowerPoint lectures and external video content. Activities, discussion boards and mini quizzes will be embedded throughout the units so the tutor can provide support and trickle feedback. A number of the activities will help the students to prepare for the assignments. 

• Unit 1 – Introduction (Online) 
• Unit 2 – Identification (Online)   
• Unit 3 – Waterbird Identification (Online) 
• Unit 4 – In-person teaching session (approx. 6 hours) 
• Unit 5 – Conclusions (online)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify a range of bird species that are found in wetland habitats.
2. Differentiate between common duck, goose and wader species.
3. Record field observations and bird counts, accurately.
4. Analyse the complexity of waterbird migration strategies and evaluate why the UK is so important for a huge number of species. 

Assessments

1. Bird Profile (25%)
2. Short Essay (75%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.