Shorebirds are not popular with beginning birders because they're so similar, so variable, and such a challenge. Shorebirds are popular with experts for the exact same reasons! So don't be intimidated by this fascinating, and frankly cute, group of birds that grace our shores (and other habitats) for brief periods of the year.
In this three-part class for Beginning Shorebirds, we'll focus on identification, but moreso, teach you tricks that we'll make tackling shorebirds much less intimidating. A field trip to the coast during shorebird migration will help solidify what we learn in class. Move from beginner to expert so you can get excited about shorebird season!
DATES
Virtual Class on Zoom
Thursdays: April 17th, April 24th, and May 1
7:00 PM - 8:30pm
Optional Field Trip
Sunday April 27th
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
REQUIREMENTS
Participants will need a good internet connection and either a computer or tablet with a speaker and microphone. All lectures will be done using Zoom video conferencing software, which is free to download, and we will use all the protocols for security. Students will receive information with the Zoom meeting invite a day or two before each class.
FIELD TRIP
We'll travel to the coast, seeking different habitats to find different shorebirds. Our main event will be Bottle Beach as the tide comes in, but we'll also visit marinas, rocky dikes, and other locations from Bottle Beach to Tokeland. There will be an announcement a couple of days before the trip outlining details, particularly forecast, but plan to bring a lunch and be out for most of the day. We'll meet at the Wilburton Park and Ride off I-405, exit 12.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Class fee for the 3 virtual sessions is $75.00. The field trip is optional and an extra fee of $50.00.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to attend both virtual sessions and field trip, you will need to separately register for each at the links below.
COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the starting date of the course will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 7-13 days will incur a 20% fee. Cancellations made within 3-6 days will incur a 30% fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the start of the course are nonrefundable.
If you are unable to attend this course, you may transfer your registration to a friend. To cancel or transfer your registration to a friend, send an email to office@eastsideaudubon.org with the course name in the subject line.
About the Instructor:
David Droppers has been teaching courses on topics from birds to butterflies to trees to microorganisms for a variety of groups, including college biology courses and non-profit environmental groups. He has put his expertise to work for the National Park Service, Forest Service, University of Washington, and Woodland Park Zoo, among many others. He is ecstatic about sharing his passion for the natural world with others who wish to learn. His enthusiasm is said to be contagious!