Birding by Ear - Workshops on Birdsong Identification

Discover the World of Birdsong . . .

Vocalizations are an important aspect of bird behavior and the ability to identify birdsongs is a critical skill for field birders. These workshop will focus on learning the Birding by Ear method for identifying birds through song and call recognition. Each workshop's content is tailored to meet the needs of your group. Beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions are available as well as workshops focusing on a particular group of birds or geographical location. Full day and half day workshops are offered. All sound equipment is provided by the workshop leader.

Birds, Bellybuttons, and the Meaning of Life

A Lighthearted Look At Why Birders Bird . . .

A passion for birds can lead to a lifetime of learning, adventure and exploration. Although each individual follows a different path, common elements unite those of us who call ourselves birders. This talk explores our journey as birders. Using video of birds and birders from across North America as well as from the New World Tropics we follow the adventures, and yes - misadventures, of birders on a mission. Appropriate as an "after dinner" talk or for your bird club meeting. 45 minutes.

An Introduction to Butterflies and Skippers

Discover the World of Butterflies. . .

Butterflies are everywhere. Not only are they beautiful, abundant and diverse but with a little experience easy to find and identify. This workshop focuses on butterfly basics for the field naturalist. We will cover butterfly biology and behavior, the common North American butterfly families and representative butterflies and skippers of Eastern North America. Colorful, close-up video footage will provide a focus for learning the basic field marks of common butterflies in our area. Butterflying resources and references will also be discussed. Approximately 90 minutes; field trips may be arranged.

An Introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies

Discover the World of Dragonflies. . .

Dragonflies and Damselflies are on the wing from late spring into fall. These talented aerialists are both colorful and fascinating. This workshop focuses on dragonfly basics for the field naturalist. We will cover dragonfly biology and behavior, the common North American families and representative dragonflies and damselflies of Eastern North America. Colorful, close-up video footage will provide a focus for learning the basic field marks of common "odes" (dragons and damsels) in our area. Resources and references will also be discussed. Approximately 90 minutes; field trips may be arranged.

The Other Things with Wings: Butterflies and Dragonflies

An introduction to Butterflying and Dragonflying. . .

Over the last decade more and more naturalists have discovered the diversity and beauty of butterflies and dragonflies. A generation of new field guides and close-focusing binoculars have opened up new worlds for the naturalist. The classroom session will prepare you to find the right habitats and recognize the field marks of these fabulous insects. Our field trip will sample a variety of habitats as we survey the local "leps" and "odes." Two sessions: classroom (90 minutes) and field (1/2 day).