Last few May Wildeye Course Places available!

All of us at Wildeye are gearing up for our May courses, so grab one of the remaining places and come join us:

1) Wildlife Camera Operator Course 3-5 May 2013

Example Workshop: New Technology - Immerse yourself in the very latest innovations changing the face of wildlife filmmaking, including demonstration and hands on experiences with RED 4K cameras, Video DSLRS and learn how to use prime and zoom lenses to get the most from them. Shoot and process 3D with compact GoPro cameras and get hands on experience of aerial filmmaking with lightweight small unmanned aircraft - we are the only wildlife film-making course taking you to new heights!

BWPA Call for Entries open until the 4th of May

The British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of wildlife photographers of all nationalities practising in Britain, whilst at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain's natural history. The driving motivation to set up the Awards evolved through the nation's growing awareness of the local environment and the need for its protection.

Now in its fifth year, this highly acclaimed and unique wildlife photography competition has captivated the nation with outstanding and beautiful imagery. It is a celebration of British wildlife as well as a showcase for nature photographers, both amateur and professional.

With twelve separate categories the subject matter covers everything from marine life and animal behaviour to creepy crawlies and urban wildlife.

Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) can detect flowers' electric fields, scientists have discovered.

Results indicate floral electric fields improve the bees' ability to discriminate between different flowers.

When used with visual signals, electrical cues can enhance the bee's memory of floral rewards.

Researchers suggest this method of signalling provides rapid and dynamic communication between plants and pollinators.

The findings are published in the online journal Science Express.

Evidence from Siberian caves suggests that a global temperature rise of 1.5C could see permafrost thaw over a large area of Siberia.

A study shows that more than a trillion tonnes of the greenhouse gases CO2 and methane could be released into the atmosphere as a result.

The evidence comes from analysis of stalactites and stalagmites in caves along the "permafrost frontier".

This is where ground begins to be permanently frozen in layers that can be tens to hundreds of metres thick.

Scientists are working to reduce the noise levels experienced by whales from North Atlantic shipping.

The blare is making it difficult for the animals to communicate with each other, which in turn is affecting their ability to find food and mates.

The researchers have persuaded shipping companies to change their routes in and around the Boston area.

Sea captains use an iPad App that helps them to understand the locations of the whales and when to slow down.

The change in operations has helped to lower the din. Scientists hope it will also limit the number accidental collisions.

The next available Wildeye course dates are in May, so check them out and come join us for a weekend in Norfolk:

Wildlife Camera Operator Course 3-5 May 2013

Whether you want to film wildlife as a fascinating hobby, or are hoping for a career as a professional wildlife camera operator, this course will arm you with the knowledge and techniques to create stunning shots and sequences. As camera technology advances apace it can be difficult to know what equipment to use (and then how to use it!), with a high tutor to student ratio, this course is unique in content and value for money. It will answer all the questions you have and many you haven't thought of yet.

This weekend introduces the latest technology and camera systems for those who may upgrade their equipment in the future or have yet to buy a camcorder. The knowledge gained will help you choose and use the right gear for your purposes and will save you wasting money on unnecessary or inappropriate technology. The Creative Camerawork element will help you improve your techniques under expert instruction.

The course starts with a series of discussions about the latest camera technology and is then split into workshops exploring various aspects of camera use in wildlife film-making, including: wide angle, telephoto, macro, scopes, slow motion, time lapse and creative techniques. It is taught by wildlife film-maker Mike Linley, Piers Warren - Principal of Wildeye, independent wildlife filmmaker Adrian Cale, Simon Beer - a video camera specialist from Production Gear and high speed camera specialist Jonathan Jones.

Find out more and apply here: Wildlife Camera Operator Course

Introduction to Wildlife Film-making 17-19 May 2013

These weekends, in the heart of Norfolk, provide a unique hands-on introduction to wildlife film-making. The sessions cover all aspects of wildlife film-making with opportunities for practical filming work as well as advice about how to get started and what equipment to use. This course is the perfect start for those wishing to work in the wildlife film-making industry, whether as a camera operator, producer, researcher, script-writer, presenter and so on. It is also suitable for those wishing to pursue wildlife film-making as a fascinating hobby.

Professional wildlife film-makers with a wide range of experience will be your guides and tutors throughout the weekend. You will find it a fun and valuable experience, and will enjoy mixing with other people enthused by wildlife films.

Find out more and apply here: Introduction to Wildlife Film-making

The location for the above two courses is Whitwell Hall Country Centre in the centre of Norfolk, UK.

Accommodation and excellent home-cooked food is included for the weekend.

Booking: If the home page shows that there are places available for the course of your choice - please complete the online application form and send in your deposit/fee as detailed.

Places are filling up, so book soon to avoid disappointment.

9 April 6pm

Deserts cover more than 17% of the world's land mass yet are among the most poorly understood biomes. Their relatively low productivity, driven by low rainfall, supports low abundances of wildlife, and hence they tend not to attract the attention of conservationists, particularly in the current global focus on biodiversity hotspots and delivery of ecosystem services.

Yet, considering the harsh environment, biodiversity is relatively high - deserts support 25% of global terrestrial vertebrates - but this biodiversity is more threatened and declining faster than biodiversity in other biomes. In the Sahara alone, over-hunting and habitat degradation have led to a rapid decline in biodiversity over the last hundred years.