Winter Birding on the Upper Texas Coast
It is recommended but not required that a beginning birding class be taken before this class.
The Upper Texas Coast is known the world over for spring migration, but many people are less aware of the amazing birding opportunities that are here for wintering species. This is an excellent time for seeing and studying hawks, ducks, geese, sparrows, and many others. And we will do just that in this course. Many of the birds that we see will be spending the winter here and this is the prime time to see them before they depart in the spring.
In class we will learn how to use the form/shape of a bird, the bill structure, habitat, behavior and other characteristics to group birds into families for easier identification AND to distinguish similar species. On the field trips, we will practice the application of the concepts learned in class.
We will explore the habitat requirements and adaptation of different wintering
species; discuss various identification techniques, bird behavior, migration and other interesting aspects of wintering birds on the Upper Texas Coast.
Class Sessions in the Library at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary: Thursday, December 4, 2008 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Field Trip Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2008 and Saturday, December 13, 2008. Meeting time and locations for field trips will be announced in class.
About the Instructor
Glenn has had a passionate interest in nature, especially birds, since early childhood. He has been involved with organized birding and conservation efforts in Texas since 1988. In addition to bird identification, he has a special interest—and continues his studies—in the relationships of plants, birds, butterflies, and other insects. He has taught classes at HAS for two years.
Registration
Cost: $150.00 for HAS members and $175.00 for non-members, payable to Houston Audubon Society. Registration is now open. To register, please use the secure online registration form:
Winter Birding Registration Form or contact Andrea Ritchie, telephone 713-932-1639. For more information on the classes, please contact Glenn Olsen.
