Birder's Certificate Program

Birders using scopes at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Take your birding skills to a new level!

The Birder's Certificate Program (BCP), offered annually by Mass Audubon since 2004, is a key component in our ongoing efforts to provide the finest educational programs to the birdwatching community. The BCP is equivalent to an undergraduate-level ornithology course.

The program is completed within one year, August 2023 – July 2024. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of achievement.

We offer two Birder's Certificate Program options.

Take the BCP Complete Hybrid Program (Online and In-Person)
- 11 Online monthly lectures
- 11 In-person monthly field trips
- Student comprehension will be evaluated through homework assignments
- Supported Independent Study
- Completion certificate
- $1800 member / $2100 nonmember
Attend just the BCP Online Lectures
- 11 Online monthly lectures
- Student comprehension will be evaluated through homework assignments
- Completion certificate
- $750 member / $900 nonmember

BCP Complete Hybrid Program (Online and In-Person)

Eleven monthly lectures and field trips cover a wide range of subject matter, including avian systematics, biology, field identification, physiology, behavior, vocalization, ecology, and conservation. Student comprehension will be evaluated through homework assignments for each module. A twelfth module involves a volunteer service-learning project. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of achievement and a BCP binocular harness.

Course Goals:

Develop the ornithological knowledge base of birders
Demonstrate ways birders can contribute to the scientific study of birds
Encourage closer collaboration between birders and professional ornithologists
Develop a cadre of skilled program volunteers
Provide professional development opportunities for Mass Audubon staff
Contribute to the conservation of birds and to the protection of the nature of Massachusetts

Online lectures will be held online using Microsoft Teams. You will receive the Microsoft Teams Link to log into the program in your confirmation. An email reminder will also be sent to you 48 hours before program start.

In-person field sessions associated with each module will be carried out in Essex County on the Sunday morning following each lecture. Field trips will follow the most current public health authority guidelines on social distancing and other safety measures. Please note that dates are subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances.

Schedule

August 19, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Systematics and Nomenclature with Bill Gette
- August 20, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
September 9, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Evolution and Speciation with Martha Gach
- September 10, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
October 21, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Field Identification with Wayne Petersen
- October 22, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
November 18, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Anatomy and Physiology with David Moon
- November 19, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Field Trip
December 9, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Feathers and Flight with Scott Santino
- December 10, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Field Trip
January 20, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Feeding Ecology with Erica Holm
- January 21: 9:00 am-1:00 pm/ Field Trip
February 10, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Bird Conservation (Instructor TBD)
- February 11, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Field Trip
March 23, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Migration with Bill Gette
- March 24, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
April 13, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Avian Vocalization with Wayne Petersen
- April 14, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
May 18, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Breeding Behavior with Wayne Petersen
- May 19, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip
June 8, 9:00 am-1:00 pm / Online Lecture: Field Ornithology with Sarah Courchesne
- June 9, 8:00 am-12:00 pm / Field Trip

Cancellation policy: A nonrefundable nontransferable $100 deposit is due at time of registration. Balance due in full prior to first class August 19, 2023. Students have up to three years to complete course work. Refunds will not be made during the class year.

Or call Joppa Flats at 978-462-9998.