VISITORS to RSPB nature reserves will be familiar with the work of Mike Langman, who worked for them as an illustrator for nine years.

Mike is an avid birdwatcher, particularly in the Devon area, and the East Devon District Council Countryside team is delighted to welcome him back to the Axe Estuary Wetlands near Seaton on Saturday, September 6 - between 8.30am and 4pm - to lead a training day on Advanced Bird Identification. This course is perfect for novice birdwatchers who want to advance their birding skills to a higher level.

Weather permitting, there will also be a chance to examine birds in close–up as the Axe Estuary Ringing Group will be on hand to show participants what they have caught.

This training day proved hugely popular when it first took place on the Wetlands last September – bird lovers from all over the country attended, and were delighted to benefit from Mike’s expertise and warm enthusiasm for his subject.

Waders and warblers Combining classroom and field sessions, Mike covers basic bird identification principles and will apply these to some of the classic ‘problem’ birds such as waders and warblers.

The all-day course costs £30 and booking is essential as places are limited. To book or for further information please call 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk.