Scottish Island Coastal Birds On the eastern shore of the Isle of Cumbrae Millport has a great island location with sheltered coastlines to explore and is just an 8 minute ferry ride from the mainland. Course Overview The Isle of Cumbrae (located in the Firth of Clyde) has a wide range of shore habits for a small island - this encourages a good diversity of shore birds. At this time of the year 'late breeders' are still feeding their young and many birds are still feeding fledged youngsters - giving an ideal opportunity to see juveniles and parents together. This course will involve shore-based 'tutorial sessions' in the field and classroom - learning about the biology and ecology of the birds of the Clyde. An exciting trip on our research vessel will enable us to see more marine birds in the area and diverse Clyde landscapes. This course gives you the opportunity to learn about seabirds, conservation issues and other Scottish wildlife in a relaxed setting. Course Description The spectacular glacial landscape of the Clyde Sea provides a surprising range of habitats in a small area. From the Isle of Cumbrae, upland, coastal, and pelagic bird species are all within easy reach. At this time of the year 'late breeders' are still feeding their young and many birds are still feeding fledged youngsters - giving an ideal opportunity to see juveniles and parents together. This course will involve shore-based 'tutorial sessions' in the field and classroom - learning about the biology and ecology of the birds of the Clyde. An exciting trip on our research vessel will enable us to see more marine birds in the area and diverse Clyde landscapes. This course gives you the opportunity to learn about seabirds, conservation issues and other Scottish wildlife in a relaxed setting. During the day we will be exploring a range of coastal habitats to observe waders and wildfowl, before moving inland for woodland and upland species. In the evening guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the birds of the west coast, their habitats and conservation.
This weekend course is a unique opportunity to brush up your birding skills, and get to grips with our waders and sea ducks, as well as passage migrants and local coastal specialities. Please see timetable below for specifics of what species to see where. Please note these are listed as possible species to give examples of what can be seen around Cumbrae, please remember that as wild animals these sightings cannot be guaranteed. Chances of encounters can vary according to weather, sea conditions, tides, migration times, human disturbance and sheer luck on the day. Objectives By the end of the weekend course participants will have: Explored a variety of island habitats including coastal and woodland areas Enhanced identification skills in the field by learning the characteristics of different species Learned the importance of migration for birds, along with key migratory species we are likely to encounter here in Scotland Draft Timetable Friday Saturday Low tide: 08:27 (0.39m) High tide: 15:17 (3.21m) 17:00 - Welcome, an introduction to the course and centre. Outline of the weekend programme, introductions around the group and scene setting. 18:00 - Evening meal 19:00 Lecture on migration (or other ecological topic). To introduce an import aspect of bird ecology, a short talk on migration will be given with interesting case studies of migratory species and some migration activities. Breakfast 08:00 (packed lunch making at this time) Wild Waders. Our exploratory walk around the island will start first thing; making use of the low spring tide, the group will head along the West coast of Cumbrae to observe the numerous feeding waders in the intertidal zone of Ballochmartin. Sightings of our local common dolphin may also bee seen just offshore from the marine centre. Possible species: Oystercatcher, Redshank, Turnstone, Curlew, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Shelduck, Raven, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtails. Pelagic Species. After our stop at Ballochmartin we will continue North along the coast, stopping occasionally to catch a glimpse of some of our pelagic specialities. The rich food supply of the Clyde can attract large numbers of oceanic species to feed together in a spectacular show. These feeding frenzies can also provide porpoise sightings on a calm day! Possible species: Gannet, Black Guillemot, Guillemot, Razorbill, Cormorant, Shag, Sandwich Tern, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake.
Coastal Birds. Though coastal birds will be seen throughout the day as our walk takes us around the entire coastline of Cumbrae, the North and Northwest sides of the island with their rock2shores provides ideal habitat for many coastal bird species, with a good chance of both species of seal. Possible species: Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Eider, Widgeon, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Wheatear,. Inland Habitats. For the final part of our island exploration, we will head inland to explore the grasslands, woods and reservoirs of the interior. Possible species: Raven, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Song Thrush, Whinchat, Hooded Crow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Swallow. 18:00 Evening meal 19:00 Nocturnal Wildlife. Taking a break from the birds, this evening session aims to explore the variety of creatures that occur on Cumbrae during the night. Sampling techniques will include mammal traps, moth traps, camera traps, track traps and bat detectors. Possible species: Wood Mouse, Bank Vole, Tawny Owl, Bats, Otter Sunday 09:00: Boat Trip (please note boat trip is dependent on minimum number of course participants. If unfeasible, this session will be instead be spent covering further habitats and areas on land) To further explore the Firth of Clyde, we will head out on our research vessel Actinia to get closer to some of the pelagic species seen from the shore. Our voyage will take us to Wee Cumbrae, an important nesting site for the many gull species we will encounter. We will also head into Millport Bay to navigate around the Eileans, a group of small rocky islands that are favourite hang-out spots for our populations of grey and harbour seal. If the weather is calm enough, sightings of porpoise can also be expected. Possible species: Gannet, Black Guillemot, Guillemot, Razorbill, Red-throated Diver, Cormorant, Shag, Sandwich Tern, Kittiwake, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Harbour Porpoise, Common Dolphin, Harbour Seal, Grey Seal. OR (if boat trip is not feasible) 9:00: RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve After a short ferry journey where we will keep our eyes open for all the pelagic species and marine mammals, we will head inland to explore a local wetland reserve. A guided walk around the trails, feeders and lochs of RSPB Lochwinnoch will be followed by some time spent in the loch hide and in the visitor centre s photohide. This fantastic nature reserve is only 30 minutes from Largs and holds a great variety of wildlife in its wetland and woodland habitats. Possible species: Goosander, Moorhen, Coot, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Great-crested Grebe, Redpoll, Nuthatch, Reed Bunting, 14:00 Review Session. Before farewells, we will compile a complete species list and view some photographic highlights of the trip. Depart after 15:00
M S c i o c r t o t i i f s u h n I g I s i l l a n d C o a s t a l l B i i r d s About the Tutor Jack Lucas is a knowledgeable marine biologist having conducted marine mammal research in four countries, and with a degree in the subject. He is also a qualified Passive Acoustic Monitoring operator and Marine Mammal Observer. He has a passion for birds and marine orgnanisms, and works on Cumbrae as an FSC tutor for much of the year so knows the local sites well. What to Bring Waterproof top, waterproof trousers, a comfortable day sack, gloves & hat (can be borrowed from the Centre). Lunch box, water bottle and flask. Walking boots and wellies (can be borrowed from the Centre) A bag to put everything in on days out A memory stick to take pictures and resources away For your own and group safety, Centre staff reserve the right to refuse to take people out on excursions if they are not properly equipped. If you are unsure of the standard of equipment required, please contact us for advice. Please see above information for details of any other equipment required as suggested by your Course Tutor. ** We have wellingtons and waterproofs available for hire at the centre. What is Included Full professional tuition: usually each full day of our courses has 10+ hours of tuition, including after dinner sessions. (When a course finishes on a Sunday it usually ends at approximately 3pm). Full board and accommodation: including cooked breakfast, packed lunch, Tea/Coffee, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Special dietary requirements: Vegetarian and other dietary options are catered for; we just ask you to notify us at least three weeks in advance of the course if you have special requirements. Centre Facilities: including use of our lounges, library, wildlife hides and drying room. Travel: when transport is required to sites during your course this is provided within the fee. Non-resident rate: includes all of the above apart from Bed and Breakfast and a packed lunch each day.
Arrival and Departure Times Resident visitors are requested to arrive on the first day of the course at the office reception before 5.00pm. Dinner will be between 6pm and 7pm. An introductory talk will follow. Breakfast will be between 7.45-8.45am. The course will end on 3pm on the last day. Extra nights If you are interested in staying at the Centre for additional nights, before or after the course, please contact the Centre for availability and costs which start from 30 for B&B, or 40 full board (we can confirm B&B availability 4 weeks prior to the course). Sunday rate 35. Partner Rate For those paying the sole occupancy price, we are offering our guests a special rate for those who would like a twin room for them and their partner not enrolled on an FSC course, at 35 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. How to Book To book a place on this course you can either: Complete a booking form from the brochure and send it together with a 50.00 nonrefundable deposit (cheque payable to Field Studies Council Limited) or provide us with you debit/credit card number details. Book online at www.field-studies-council.org Telephone to book directly with FSC Scotland (card payments made over the phone)