Birding
Birding Photos by Evelyn Ralston
What do you do at Bird School?
Bird School is an organized learning situation involving both field work and classroom time. The sessions are based on a particular bird theme. Each session is 1 ½ hours and may include: a demonstration (such as, banding techniques), power point, video, live birds, hands-on materials (examining feathers, nesting materials, pellets, nests, eggs, charts/paper documentation etc.)
Bird School covers birds in more depth than a bird hike regarding the information based on the theme. Participants may be asked to check certain references for additional learning opportunities. The setting is more the traditional classroom, but each session will involve an outdoor component or field experience.
Bird School sessions are for the person who wants to learn more about the birds than identifying ‘what they see.’ The sessions will be conducted by staff members and guest resource people. Participants may select the themes of their interest and are not required to attend all sessions. Pre-registration is necessary, so materials/supplies/equipment are available for the number in the class.
See our Calendar for 2012 Bird School Dates and more information.
January 11- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. "The Outer Bird: External Anatomy and Field Marks."
February 12- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "Territory and Site Tenacity."
March 11- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "Dabblers vs. Divers."
April 11- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm "Beak and Feet Adaptations."
May 13- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "The Incredible Egg."
June 13- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm "Parental Care and Rearing of Young."
July 08- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "Foraging Techniques."
August 08- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm "Observations From A Bird Blind."
September 09- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "Migratory Movement."
October 10- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm "A Plethora of Stuff: Pellets, Droppings, Parasites, Injuries and Other."
November 11- 2:00 pm-3:30 pm "Temperature Regulation and Behavior."
December 12- 6:00 pm-7:30 pm "Bird Myths and Fables."
What do you do on at Bird Hike?
The bird hikes involve going into the field (usually on CBEC property) and looking for birds. We use binoculars and bird guides to aid in seeing and identifying birds. The hike is conducted by a staff person or a guest bird expert. The hikes are usually ½ mile or less on an easy walking surface.
The hike is designed for all levels of bird interest from beginners to advanced birders. What you need is patience to spot the birds. We go rain or shine when a hike is scheduled, because birds are active throughout seasons and brave the elements.
After a bird is located the leader of the group will offer some insight into the bird’s natural history and observation continues until the group is satisfied with seeing and identifying the bird. Usually there is question/answer time associated with a bird sighting.
Things that are helpful when going on a bird hike are: comfortable shoes, clothes appropriate for the weather, binoculars and a bird guide. CBEC has a limited number of binoculars/field guides to lend participants, if needed.
See our Calendar for 2012 Bird Hike Event and more information.
January 07- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “Waterfowl In Marshy Creek.”
February 04- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “Tundra Visitors.”
March 03- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “Domestic Dwellers.”
April 07- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am “Residents of Owl Pass.”
May 05- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am Osprey Life on the Eastern Shore.”
June 02- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am “The Mimics.”
July 07- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am “Meet the Neotropicals.”
August 04- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am “Packing Up and Moving South.”
September 08- Sat. 8:00 a-9:30 am “Who Lives Here?”
October 06- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “Eagles At Leisure.”
November 03- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “What’s on the Menu?”
December 01- Sat. 9:00 a-10:30 am “Roaming for Raptors.”
