A Holistic Approach to Bird ID

Photo courtesy of Bill Schmoker. PLEASE NOTE: The dates and times shown to the right reflect only the start and end days and times! See below for all actual class dates and times. Have you wondered how experienced birders can often snap off accurate identifications before ever lifting their binoculars? Getting good looks is always nice (and indeed one of the most enjoyable aspects of birding), but many other cues can help us figure out which birds we encounter. People often concentrate most of their attention on what birds look like, but widening one’s observations to include vocalizations and behaviors can improve identification skills and add to a deeper understanding of birds. In this course, we will explore the identification "puzzle pieces" of bird status and distribution, habitat selection & utilization, behavior, vocalizations, family traits, and plumage details. Participants will gather resources and tools to improve their personal bird ID tool boxes as we divide the classroom time with field time in the Boulder area. Indoor Class: Friday, March 1, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Boulder Field Class: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Boulder area (Bring a sack lunch for the field). Weather day March 3. Tuition: $72.00. Limited to 12 participants. Registration opens on January 18, 2019 at 8:00 am. In addition to his 25+ years of teaching middle school science in Boulder, instructor Bill Schmoker also teaches for the American Birding Association, National Audubon Society, and The Nature Conservancy. Bill has served as President of Colorado Field Ornithologists and on the Colorado Bird Records Committee, is proud to be on the Leica Birding Team, has embarked on two Arctic Ocean research expeditions as a PolarTREC Teacher, and has explored Greenland as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. A widely published bird/wildlife photographer, author, and public speaker, Bill finds adventure and seeks new knowledge wherever he finds himself, whether gardening in his back yard, on an icebreaker at the North Pole, or anything in between.    FAQs Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? Our classes are geared toward adult learners. The minimum age for attendance is 18. What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? Class locations are provided to registrants about two weeks before the class starts in a "Welcome" email from the Instructor. Come directly to the location of the first class and Bill will meet you there. On the first field day, we will meet at a location specified at the Friday evening class. If you wish to carpool on the field trip, you can make your own arrangements. BCNA does not organize or participate in any carpool arrangements. If you carpool, please discuss and agree on your cost sharing and travel plans in advance. What can I bring to the event? You will want paper and pen/pencil on both days. The instructor will let you know if there is anything specific that you should bring to the field session. Otherwise be prepared for time outdoors, away from the car. You might bring a daypack with water and food for snacks. We will eat lunch in the field, so be sure to bring a sack lunch along. Wear hiking clothes and footwear adequate for conditions. Bring sun protection (sun lotion, sun glasses, hat, long sleeves), bug dope, and any field guides, binoculars, trekking poles, or other personal items and extra clothing you might want. How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please email registration [at] bcna [dot] org. We do not check this account every day, but will try to get back to you within four business days. What's the refund policy? We open registration for each class just six weeks before it begins so that you will have a good idea of your availability. Our apologies, but refunds are not available. Most of the proceeds from classes go to our instructors. The remainder helps support our education program, research grants, publications, seminars, and conservation efforts. If you must cancel, we hope you'll consider your payment as a donation to the Boulder County Nature Association. Of course, if we must cancel a class, your payment will be fully refunded. Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? Yes. Just log on to your account, go to "Tickets," select your order, and then choose "Edit." Change the name and email address to the new attendee's information. Be sure to check the box and we will send them a confirmation email with all the ticket/registration information they'll need. Once you're done, select "Save" to save your changes. Demand for our classes is high and participation is limited. Classes usually fill up early, and we maintain a waiting list. If you cannot attend or find a substitute, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may offer your spot to someone else. Can I update my registration information? Yes.  Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, your name will be on our registration list. You may print your Confirmation Email if you want a record.