Last week our Ornithology team held a training day in Galway. This was an opportunity to share tips and ideas, prepare for the upcoming season and perhaps most importantly to collect a set of MKO branded merchandise!
The training timetable included refining our GIS mapping and report writing skills with project planning and preparation for the upcoming breeding season kept in mind. Time was set aside for a birding session at Ballyloughane beach to end the information-rich day. After an update and reminder on our health and safety protocols for lone working in the field, the team ran through general IT assistance and any queries relating to the use of equipment to ensure hassle-free surveying for the upcoming season. Throughout the day, the team split into smaller focus groups to discuss and share ideas on numerous topics our surveyors face. Nobody better to get tips and tricks from than your colleagues working in the field!
Thoughts were shared on everything from communicating effectively with the public to ‘inquisitive’ livestock while, quite literally, in the field. Of value to many in the team were the various suggestions for survey scheduling, especially as we head into the busy breeding season. Of course, no workshop would be complete without some team building, and plans were made for regular birding trips, group surveys and social meetups. Project management was also focused on as we had the opportunity to promote and grow the team’s capabilities.
Our Ornithology team looks forward to the improving weather and a full survey season. Special thanks to all involved in organising the training day!
