WHAT: Birding Basics & Birds of the Beach Workshops
WHEN: Birding Basics: Nov. 9, Dec. 21, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Birds of the Beach: Nov. 10, Dec. 15, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, and April 6 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
HOW: Preregistion is required, cost is $40 (Friends of Rookery Bay members enjoy 10 percent discount)
Ever wonder about the birds around you? Would you like to be able to identify them easier and better understand their behavior? November – April, Rookery Bay will host two workshops each month for birders – Birding Basics and Birds of the Beach.
Birding Basics – This fun and informative class is led by Randy McCormick to help participants identify the birds in everyday life. This workshop is geared toward the beginning birder and explores the use of a birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species. The most effective use of binoculars and field guides also will be covered. During the second part of class, participants will take a trip to Eagle Lakes Park to practice new birding skills.
Birds of the Beach – Southwest Florida is a critical stopover site for thousands of migrating and wintering shorebirds. This workshop, led by Audubon Florida’s Adam DiNuovo, will address the history of these birds and the annual journeys many of them make. Winter shorebirds can be difficult to identify, so practicing the skills learned in this class is a must. The class will cover the use of plumage, size and behavior to help with identification. To see the many birds discussed, the second half of class will include a trip Tigertail Beach, one of the most important winter shorebird sites in Florida.
Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters. We are committed to preservation through research, education, and land protection.