There is an opportunity to see an exceptional range of wintering birds and learn more about them from the experts, during a half day Bird Basics course on Sunday 14 January, 2007, from 10 am until 1 pm, at Paxton Pits nature reserve, near St Neots.

The two tutors for this event are Trevor Gunton from the Friends of Paxton Pits and Jim Stevenson, senior ranger with Huntingdonshire District Council.  Both are former RSPB staff members with many years of experience. They intend to give a short introductory talk and then spend a good couple of hours in the field, so participants are advised to wrap up well. Binoculars and telescopes will be provided for those who do not have their own.

Jim Stevenson said: “Although we will see a lot of other birds, it is the waterfowl that are particularly numerous at this time of year. We hope to see rarities like smew and goosander as well as the more common ducks, geese and swans.”
 
Looking further ahead, on 25 March  a second Bird Basics session will held, about resident birds and a third session, on 13 May, will cover summer migrants.
 
The fee for the January session is £6. (or £15 for all three). Please book in advance on 01480 451568.
 
A programme of events for the whole year is now available from The Huntingdonshire District Council’s rangers at Hinchingbrooke Country Park or Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, or from Pathfinder House. Details also appear on our websites, which are under external links and related information.