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Introduction to Avian Identification Skills: Learning to Observe Backyard Birds
Heather Gerth, M.S.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(83)
Learn key skills for bird identification including observing how birds look, sound, and behave. This 8-week class will inspire young animal and zoology lovers to get outside to watch birds in their backyard! (Ornithology, Biology, Birding)
Class experience
Birding is a great activity for ages 1-100, and it can be enjoyed by both the casual bird watcher and the experienced birder. But with thousands of bird species how do you even get started? This class will equip learners with the skills and tools they need to identify birds in their area. In addition to learning 7 common North American backyard bird species, students will learn the key skills for bird identification including observing how birds look, sound, behave, and where they are...
This class is taught in English.
- Many people believe that bird identification is too difficult. This course will make bird identification accessible to learners by equipping them with the tools and skills that experts use when identifying birds. - Learners will develop connections with other like-minded students who enjoy the outdoors and birds. - Learners will discover the lifelong hobby of birding and deepen their connection with the outdoors by observing birds.
Heather is a published ecologist who has conducted field ecology research for more than a decade. She has done research in Costa Rica, Teton Mountain National Park, the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and in the Midwest. Her main research interests are birds and landscape ecology. Heather is also an environmental educator and naturalist with over 20 years of experience teaching students of all ages through nature centers, schools, and Girl Scouts.
Required: - 7 printed data sheets and 7 printed species study sheets (files provided 1 week prior to class) - 1 color printed bird booklet file (please print one-sided, 2-page file provided 1 week prior to class) - Class activity worksheet (when needed this file is posted 1 week prior to class) - Standard craft supplies: crayons, colored pencils, or markers; scissors; construction paper or scrap paper; glue; tape; stapler (please have available each week) - Week 3: Pinecone or toilet paper tube, peanut butter (can use sun butter if allergies), butter knife, ½ cup birdseed, string or yarn, a tray or other container to put the seed in - Week 7: Playdough Optional: - Binoculars are strongly recommended. They don’t need to be expensive. Tips for binocular use will be covered in week 2. - Students will assemble a small booklet with common backyard bird species during the first week (2-page color file to print). It’s also nice for students to have access to a physical copy of a field guide for your area or a digital field guide. Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology (App is called Merlin) both produce excellent free apps for bird identification. Merlin’s simple 5-step process to get bird ID suggestions is great for young learners, but students may need help using it at first since we are not covering bird apps in this class unless it comes up during sharing time. - Access to a well-established bird feeder is strongly recommended. The weekly Birding Challenge homework (10 min of observing birds) will be more exciting when birds are being attracted to the area by feeders.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Younger students (especially age 6 and 7) will likely require parental support while taking this course since several activities require cutting, folding, and carefully following directions. Please note that the longer 50 minutes sessions of this course may not be appropriate for every young learner. If you are looking for a higher energy course with a smaller class size, shorter sessions, more songs, movement, and games, please consider the Raptors: Birds of Prey Hunting By Day and Night multi-day camp that I offer for ages 3-6.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(83)
I am passionate about ecology, birds, and getting students outside observing and studying the natural world! I am a scientist with 15+ years of experience in field ecology research and publications in peer-reviewed ecology journals. I've...
Group Class
$112
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
3-8 learners per class
