Many bird species depend on specific habitats that offer adequate food supplies for nesting and raising their young. They often migrate to seek favorable conditions as seasons change.
Dan Banks, a knowledgeable tutor, will explain the winter migration patterns of various bird species in Surrey. He will detail the different types of birds that travel during this season and the specific routes they take. As a dedicated member of the British Trust for Ornithology, Dan possesses extensive knowledge about bird ringing and its significance in studying avian migration.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to identify six common duck species in flight, followed by a guided afternoon walk at Tice’s Meadow to observe these birds. All sightings will be documented and contributed to a bird tracking application.
About Tutor Dan Banks:
Dan has had a long-standing passion for the natural world, particularly in ornithology, which he pursued academically through studies in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation at Brighton University. His field experience includes a project in South Africa focused on mapping raptor nests. As a licensed ringer with the British Trust for Ornithology, he continues to expand his understanding of bird migration, including involvement in a ringing project in Greece that recorded migratory birds.
Previously volunteering with the Sussex Wildlife Trust, he now works with the Surrey Wildlife Trust, where he transitioned from an Education Intern to the Citizen Science Officer. In his leisure time, Dan enjoys birdwatching and has recorded sightings of over 150 different bird species in the UK.