Friday birdwatching club: bird song at St Aidan’s

Friday, 2 June at 10:00–12:00

After optional breakfast from 9am at Rivers Meet Cafe we’ll enter St Aidan’s from Methley which will get us onto the reedbeds via the fastest route. Our walk will give us the chance to listen to bird song before experiencing the sounds of breeding black-headed gulls and bittern. We’ll see swallows, martins and swifts and look for bearded tits on the reedbeds. Booking essential.

Price: £15 per person including refreshments.

Transport available

Meet me at 08:00 at the Moor Allerton Centre on the Leeds ring road if you’d like transport to the breakfast venue.

What to expect

Easy walking on flat ground with a hill to the reserve entrance. There are no hides on site and facilities are quite a walk away. Facilities are available at Rivers Meet Cafe. Refreshments are provided at the end of the walk.

Note for beginners

If you’re struggling to see birds through your binoculars, you’ll learn quickly how to use them with speed and accuracy and discover some useful techniques for watching birds in the field. You’ll also learn how to identify birds by their songs and calls.Please don’t buy binoculars especially for the trip as these can be provided on request. You’ll be able to get advice about binoculars, what to buy and the best places to make a purchase.

What to wear

Bring plenty of layers and waterproof clothing. This is an exposed site so, if it’s cold, you’ll need to wear base layers (thermal vests and leggings), fleeces, hat, scarf and gloves. Please wear walking trousers and not jeans as they will wick moisture from low growing vegetation. Bring a waterproof coat, over-trousers and sturdy, waterproof boots. You may need sunscreen and insect repellent.

Join me on more trips and learn about each bird’s story

• whether it migrates or stays in the UK
• the time of year when it can be seen
• the types of habitats preferred by different species
• how birds adapt to their environment.