Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course provides an introduction to several aspects of the study and science of birds.
What will we cover?
• Basic identification of common bird life • Bird behaviour and ecology, including birdsong and migration • Conservation - in particular the challenges of protecting birds in the city
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify a number of common birds through direct observation • Understand some basic principles of bird behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation • Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban birdlife • Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of birds, within London and beyond.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you willneed a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, group work, opportunities for Q & A.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Bring a pen and notepad if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the science and nature area of the website (currently under Humanities).
Ben has a Masters in biodiversity, evolution and conservation from University College London and is currently a PhD candidate with Imperial College London, focusing on the impacts of nature-based tourism on both people and wildlife in the context of climate change. Outside his research, Ben is a wildlife tour guide in the UK and beyond. At City Lit, Ben is excited to offer courses on local ecologies and habitats, so far offering courses on ornithology and wildlife more broadly in Rainham Marshes, Walthamstow Wetlands and Richmond Park.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-birds-of-london-a-spring-ornithology-course701364The Birds of London: a spring ornithology course https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-Regents-Park-Trees-HS285-1024.jpg159159GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Courses/vm/Environment & Sustainability/Courses/vm/Inspired by nature2285121112461666136691373012285121116661653<p>Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.</p>152992802The Birds of London: a spring ornithology course 159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Exploring-Regents-Park-Trees-HS285-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS347159159The Birds of London: a spring ornithology course 127103159Ben Chapplethe-birds-of-london-a-spring-ornithology-course/hs347-2526<p>Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to several aspects of the study and science of birds.</p><p>Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.</p><p>• Basic identification of common bird life<br>• Bird behaviour and ecology, including birdsong and migration<br>• Conservation - in particular the challenges of protecting birds in the city</p>• Identify a number of common birds through direct observation<br>• Understand some basic principles of bird behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation<br>• Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban birdlife<br>• Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of birds, within London and beyond.<p>This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you willneed a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions.</p><p>Tutor presentation, group work, opportunities for Q & A.</p><p>No other costs. Bring a pen and notepad if you wish to take notes.</p><p>Please see the science and nature area of the website (currently under Humanities).</p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldvirtual127159103HS347NONESat23/05/26 - 13/06/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetBen ChappleAvailable courses2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Business, marketing & technology159159The Birds of London: a spring ornithology course the-birds-of-london-a-spring-ornithology-course/hs347-2526<p>Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to several aspects of the study and science of birds.</p><p>Learn about diverse bird life, including basic identification, behaviour and ecology (with a special focus on birdsong and migration), and conservation.</p><p>• Basic identification of common bird life<br>• Bird behaviour and ecology, including birdsong and migration<br>• Conservation - in particular the challenges of protecting birds in the city</p>• Identify a number of common birds through direct observation<br>• Understand some basic principles of bird behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation<br>• Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban birdlife<br>• Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of birds, within London and beyond.<p>This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you willneed a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions.</p><p>Tutor presentation, group work, opportunities for Q &amp; A.</p><p>No other costs. Bring a pen and notepad if you wish to take notes.</p><p>Please see the science and nature area of the website (currently under Humanities).</p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldconfigurable
12461666Habitats, Ecology & the natural worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/technology-science-and-business/science-and-nature/habitats-ecology-and-conservation1/2/285/1211/1666/12461/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world
