We’re pleased to introduce a range of new masterclasses for this year’s MigFest. These sessions are designed to offer something for everyone – whether you're just getting started in birding, want to sharpen your skills, or are curious to explore different ways of engaging with the natural world. Each class is led by an experienced practitioner and kept to a small group size to make sure everyone gets the most out of the session.
14 May 2025
All classes £15 per person for a 1-hour session.
A maximum of 20 participants per class ensures the best possible learning experience.
Birdwatching for Beginners
Leader: Linda Jenkinson
Level: Beginner
Time: Saturday, 10am
Everything you need to get started in birding. Linda Jenkinson presents a taster of her legendary Start Birdwatching course, specially tailored for Migfest. If Migfest is your first experience of birding, or it’s been a while since you last picked up your binoculars, this is the class for you.
Finding Rare Birds
Leader: Mark Pearson
Level: Intermediate to experienced
Time: Saturday, 3.30pm
A masterclass on finding rare birds – where and when to look, and what to do when you strike it lucky. If you're curious about what causes rarities to appear in the UK, or feel like you’re not spotting as many as your birding mates, this is the session for you. Led by Mark Pearson, who has a long track record of discovering rarities across the UK.
Nature Illustration
Leader: Viola Wang
Level: All
Time: Sunday, 11am
Fresh from animating a short video for the BTO, children’s illustrator Viola Wang presents a masterclass in artistic illustration of nature. If you’re interested in stylistic drawing that captures the essence of the natural world, this class is for you.
Visible and Nocturnal Migration
Leaders: Tim Jones and Ollie Metcalf
Level: Intermediate/experienced
Time: Sunday, 2pm
Fascinated by migration but frustrated by distant specks, rapid flyovers, and mysterious night-time calls? Professional ornithologist and Spurn director Tim Jones shares tips and techniques to turn ‘vis mig’ from a frustration into a pleasure, along with advice on useful equipment. In the second half, ecoacoustics expert Ollie Metcalf will demonstrate how to record and identify nocturnal migrants over your own home.
Waterbird Identification
Leader: Drew Lyness
Level: Beginner/intermediate
Time: Saturday, 2:30pm
The UK hosts globally important numbers of waterbirds and wildfowl, which can delight and confuse in equal measure. With their preference for large waterbodies, varied plumages, and tendency to hybridise, identification can be challenging. The BTO’s Drew Lyness will help make sense of what you’re seeing on lakes, wetlands and estuaries.
Buy your MigFest tickets here, and book you space on the Masterclasses before everything sells out!
