This short course, comprising of four weekly walks, offers a chance to develop and enhance bird identification skills in a variety of habitats, focusing on a range of species and themes. The sessions are suitable for absolute beginners and improvers and will be relaxed and informal with questions encouraged, aiming to provide an enjoyable introduction to birds and birdwatching. We will cover a range of subjects from optics, field guides to recording birds all backed up by outdoor sessions.

Number of participants are limited to nine and please note that the sessions can only be booked as a block of four.

  • Wednesday 22 April at Aberlady/Kilspindie from 10am to 1pm
  • Wednesday 29 April at Musselburgh Lagoons from 10am to 1pm
  • Wednesday 6 May at Gosford Estate, Aberlady from 9am to 12noon
  • Wednesday 13 May at Aberlady Bay from 10am to 1pm

The pace of the walks, which each last around three hours, is fairly relaxed and the ambience is informal, with discussion and questions encouraged. The aim is to provide an enjoyable introduction to birds, bird identification and bird watching.

The walks will be led by our friendly guide, Scott Paterson, who has many years' experience as trainer in the field of bird identification skills. Once booked, you will automatically receive a confirmation email and Scott will be in touch a few days before the walks to confirm the meeting arrangements. Please check your email spam folder if you haven't received the information two days before the walks.

Please ensure that you come prepared for all weathers and have warm, waterproof clothing. You will also need sturdy walking boots or shoes, or wellies, although we will not be doing any serious hiking but will be walking on paths that may be rough and/or muddy. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Otherwise, we can arrange a loan pair, just let us know at the time of booking.

Low carbon birding
We aim to choose locations that can be reached by public transport. Full directions to the meeting point for the walks, including bus and train information, are provided by email a few days in advance of each outing.

Data Protection
Any personal details you provide when booking will be stored securely by the SOC and shared only with the walks organiser, Scott Paterson, for the purpose of administering your participation on the course.

Cancellations policy
SOC reserves the right to cancel or postpone any of its scheduled guided walks due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient bookings. Where participants are unable to join a re-scheduled walk, a full refund will be given. We regret that if a participant cancels their booking, we are unable to offer a refund due to scheduling and resource commitments. However, if you are unable to attend, you are very welcome to transfer your booking to a friend or family member; simply let us know in advance if the booking name needs to be updated.

Course fully booked? Join our waiting list
If this particular course is fully booked and you would like to join our Reserve List in case we receive any cancellations, please contact us. Or interested in the course but can’t make this date or the location doesn't suit? Please see our full events listings for walks elsewhere, or join our guided walks mailing list to be notified about upcoming courses.

Bespoke group bookings
If you would like to discuss a private guided walk, whether at one of our usual birdwatching hotspots or a location of your choice (e.g. your local patch), please contact us.