These activities focus on the wonderful bird-life of the
seashore. They look at the main features of coastal water birds
(waders and wildfowl in particular), their feeding habits and
their adaptations to how and where they live. OBJECTIVE: to
introduce bird-watching and identification. TIME: 1 hour
LOCATION: a seashore, preferably with sand or mud. WEATHER: The
best conditions are a fine clear day with no rain or strong
winds, early morning (before 10:30) or late afternoon (after
15:00) and at halfway-tide(nearer to high-tide). YOU WILL NEED:
as many pairs of binoculars and telescopes as possible; activity
sheets and reference sheet. The best months to see wintering
waders and wildfowl (geese, ducks and swans) are between
September and April. At most times of year oystercatchers,
curlew, redshank, eider duck, knot, black-headed gulls and
herring gulls may be found. Before the Activity Look at pictures
of the waders and wildfowl you are most likely to see. Discuss
ways of telling them apart. Practise using bin