Beginner Birdwatching series 1 & 2 - Online

You've started to notice more closely the familiar and intriguing birds in your backyard, on your commute, or outside your window-now you want to know more. This 2-part 8 week online series covers everything you need to know to get to know the world of birding.

Beginning Birdwatching 1: Identification & Resources

Learn birding basics from the experts--from different bird families to various tools and resources used by birders. Find out what makes birds unique in the animal kingdom; where and how to locate birds in urban, suburban, and rural areas; and get introduced to basic bird biology and behavior. This online class will help you get started and build your skills at locating, observing, and identifying local birds so you can join one of the fastest growing hobbies in North America, with opportunities to practice every week.

Beginning Birdwatching 2: Characteristics & Behaviors

Why do birds sing? Why do they fuss with their feathers so much? How do I figure out what bird is outside my window? Learn about bird behaviors, such as feather maintenance, migration, flight, feeding, and vocalization, in this online series. You'll discover the physical characteristics of bird anatomy and how to strengthen your beginning skills as a birder. Topics will include attracting and observing birds, bird conservation projects and research, and how individuals can support local and global bird populations with everyday actions.

Each weekly class will include optional, self-directed outdoor observation exercises and a 30-minute follow-up discussion session a week later, providing an opportunity for you to observe birds and share your discoveries and questions with classmates and instructors.

This series is the perfect experience to get your ready for Mass Audubon's annual birding fundraiser, Bird-a-thon, on May 15 & 16, 2021. Learn more at massaudubon.org/birdathon.'

Presenters: Scott Santino, Education Manager and Teacher Naturalist at Ipswich River, Joel Wagner, Educator at Wellfleet Bay, and Doug Lowry, Adult Education Specialist and Teacher-Naturalist at North River, plus multiple guest presenters from Mass Audubon and beyond.

Instructions and Directions:

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