General Information

Fee: The fee for each course is $150 for Houston Audubon members ($175 for non-members).
Location: Classroom sessions are held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in the administration building. (Map).
Registration: Registration is now open. To register, please use the secure online registration form or contact the HAS office, 713-932-1639.

Hawk Identification 101: August 24 - September 12, 2010 Class FULL - waiting list only

Learn the principles of Hawk Identification. These majestic birds of prey range from the small American Kestrel to our national emblem bird, the Bald Eagle. We are located along a major flyway for Hawk Migration. This is a great time and an amazing opportunity to see large numbers and many species of these beautiful birds. Learn how and why hawks migrate. Learn the key elements that enable you to identify hawks in flight.

Classes: August 24, 2010    September 7, 2010
Field Trips: August 28, 2010      September 12, 2010

Introduction to Birdwatching: October 12 - October 30, 2010

Many people enjoy watching birds in their backyards. Re-connect with nature and add to your enjoyment of these beautiful creatures by learning to identify them. Birdwatching (birding) has become a popular, challenging, social and fun outdoor recreational hobby. In this class learn the basics of how to identify birds by family grouping and by individual species. We will learn about habitat, migration, and behavior of birds. The principles of identification learned will apply to all birds not just those in our backyards.

Classes: October 12, 2010    October 26, 2010
Field Trips: October 16, 2010      October 30, 2010

Sparrow Identification: November 16 - December 4, 2010

Secretive and challenging to identify are what make this group of birds Fun. The Upper Texas Coast is a great place to see wintering sparrows. Learn the key principles of identification that will enable you to separate the 17 different species that are possible.

Classes: November 16, 2010    November 30, 2010
Field Trips: November 20, 2010    December 4, 2010

Identification of Wintering Waterfowl: January 11 - January 22, 2011

The Upper Texas Coast is an amazing area for wintering waterfowl. Each year we have thousands of ducks (24 species possible), thousands of geese (5 species possible), and mergansers (2 species). While the identification of male ducks is often straightforward, the same cannot be said of the more cryptically colored females. Therein lies the challenge and fun of duck identification. We will learn techniques for separating the 24 species of ducks, the different species of geese, and the mergansers. Open to anyone interested but at least two previous classes or equivalent experience is recommended.

Classes: January 11, 2011    January 18, 2011
Field Trips: January 16, 2011    January 22, 2011

Spring Warbler Identification: March 22 - April 2, 2011

People come from all over the world to Houston Audubon's High Island sanctuaries to experience the migration and arrival of the "jewels" of the bird world. Learn about the remarkable migration journey of these small and beautiful birds. Learn the principles to identify the thirty-seven different species of warblers that are possible to see in our area.

Classes: March 22, 2011    March 29, 2011
Field Trips: March 26, 2011    April 2, 2011

Instructor For Classes:

Glenn Olsen has had a passionate interest in nature, especially birds, since early childhood. He also offers birding and nature classes through Rice University's Continuing Studies Department that are co-sponsored by Houston Audubon. As a member of the Houston Audubon Society, he has served as vice president of education. Since 1993, he has been actively involved with the Native Plant Society of Texas and has served as State president. Glenn offers local group and private trips as well as tours to other prime birding locations. Contact him at h.glenn.olsen@gmail.com or 281-345-4151.