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Rob runs workshops during the year designed for people with an interest in nature to learn about our native wildlife and gain useful skills in recognising some of the different types of animals that can be encountered in Ireland. These events consist of indoor talks on particular groups and how they can be studied and identified. There may be an outdoor walk afterwards to gain some practical experience (weather permitting).
After spending many years as a bird watcher, Rob can give expert advice and guidance on getting to grips with Ireland’s birds. These include birds you might see on a garden bird table or feeder to those you might only encounter in particular habitats. If you visit a woodland, lake or the coast and come across a bird but aren’t sure what you’re looking at or listening to, then joining one of my workshops can help you improve your skills. It doesn’t matter if you have have never picked up a pair of binoculars before.
Subjects covered include:
- Distinguishing similar looking birds (little brown jobs!)
- Learning bird song and calls
- Focusing on groups such as wildfowl, warblers and birds of prey
Rob also gives talks on insects including butterflies, moths and dragonflies during the spring and summer months when these colourful and diverse creatures are out and about for us to find. In a workshop, you can come on a butterfly walk or look at what the moth trap has caught the previous night.
Upcoming workshops are listed below.
Wildlife Weekend 8th-10th June 2012
Based in Sligo at Ardtarmon House near Raghly point, this summer workshop is designed as an introduction to the range of birds, insects and other colourful life found at this time of year with a mix of indoor talks and outdoor activities in the grounds of the house and further afield. The weekend includes two night’s bed & breakfast.
Cost: €155 per person (individual) or €140 per person sharing a double/twin room.
Contact me by phone or e-mail to book. Accommodation details and location can be viewed at www.ardtarmon.com.
Schedule:
Friday 8th
8.00pm - 9:00pm: Getting to grips with bird identification by sight and call and developing observation skills.
Saturday 9th
7.30am - 9.00am: Breakfast
9.00am - 10.00am: Butterflies, bees and dragonflies - colourful summer insects.
10.00am - 1.00pm: Walk from Ardtarmon House around Raghly point looking at birds insects & flowers.
1.00pm - 2.00pm: Lunch at Ardtarmon House.
2.00pm - 6.00pm: Field trip to Mullaghmore to discover orchids and butterflies including the protected Marsh Fritillary. There are also breeding kittiwakes, fulmars and choughs nearby to observe.
6.00pm - 8.30pm: Dinner with a choice of restaurants nearby (not included in price).
8.30pm - 9.30pm: Moths - dispelling the myths on this diverse group.
9.30pm - 10:00pm: Setting up the moth trap and looking out for any early arrivals.
10.00pm - 11.00pm: An evening Bat walk around the grounds.
Sunday 10th
4:30am - 5:30am: Dawn Chorus woodland walk in the grounds of Ardtarmon House, weather permitting. (Optional)
9.00am - 10.00am: Breakfast
10.00am - 12:00pm: Looking through the variety of moth collected in the light trap by the house.
The schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The schedule can also be downloaded as a pdf file: Wildlife weekend schedule
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