Ornithology

Grade 1
Awarded to boys who have regularly attended a course of instruction and:
1.	Show an ability to recognise 20 of the more common U.K. birds.
2.	Visit two local habitats (woods, park, lake etc. - even town centre) and discover any differences in their bird life).
3.	Understand something of bird migration. Know some birds which are summer and winter visitors.
4.	Be able to identify the various bird families i.e. duck, gull, birds of prey, owl, finch etc and have a knowledge of the various characteristics of each family e.g. webbed feet, hooked bills etc.
5.	Start a note book to record observations.

Grade 2
Awarded to members who have attended regularly a course of instruction and:.
1.	Show an improved ability to recognise local birds. Show a good knowledge of the field-craft involved in watching birds including use of binoculars/telescope where appropriate).
2.	Have a knowledge of the structure and parts of a bird. Know how the feeding habits etc. relate to type and shape of beak etc.
3.	Keep a regular log of observations - perhaps on a regular visit to a study area.
4.	Be aware of the importance of song and territory in the lives of birds. Show ability to recognise bird songs or calls.
5.	Keep a scrapbook of items involving wild birds, such as the threat from oil pollution, egg raiding etc.

Grade 3
Awarded to members who have attend regularly a course of instruction and:
1.	Demonstrate competence at recognising most of the birds in the local area and the times of year they might be seen.
2.	Have a knowledge of the main parts of the bird. Know how the life style relates to shape and type of foot, wing etc. Show an ability to make good descriptions and field notes.
3.	Show a knowledge of the threats to birds, the conservation movement, and the law concerning wild birds.
4.	Keep regular records of birds in a study area, preferably spanning two seasons.
5.	Make a special personal contribution. This could be of a particular species or habitat, taking part in an official survey, or helping with conservation work on a bird reserve, etc.

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