This course is geared for novice to average+ bird watchers and will address the what, where, when and how of bird watching. Generally, the goal is to give participants the tools and knowledge to enjoy bird watching at whatever level they wish to attain. Specifically, the class outline includes: 1) How to make your backyard the preferred gourmet kitchen or bed & breakfast for birds rather than have them go next door; 2) Basic and advanced observation tips for identifying all bird species, especially backyard birds; 3) What tools (equipment, phone applications, books) are available to make bird watching successful; 4) Bird watching hot spots in the Tallahassee area, state and world and how to find them; 5) When are the best bird watching opportunities; and 6) How to make the most of your bird watching experiences and have fun! Mobility Requirement: Ability to go on guided walks in soft sand and bushy areas.
Suggested Reading:
The Crossley ID Guide Eastern Birds, Crossley, $25, Field guide with all photos in natural habitat
· A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors, Wheeler and Clark, $20-41. Field Guide uses photos – fantastic comparative guide of adults and juveniles of similar species; small.
· The Wind Masters: The Lives of North American Birds of Prey, Dunne, $49. Short stories told from the raptor’s perspective
· Shorebird Guide, O’Brien, Crossly and Karlson, $14, ID by impression
· Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, Kaufman, $13. Up-to-date field guide, includes official names of birds; new species; updated range maps. Easy to use.
· IBird: Yard+ $3; Plus $10; Pro $15; or Ultimate $20. Guide to Birds Smartphone App, Mitch Waite Group, utilizes photos, facts, range map, bird calls – my go to reference
· Ebird, Smartphone app by TheCornellLab, free – use for reporting sighting checklist to Cornell
Maximum Class Size: 20.
