...The class is designed for beginners and intermediates, and will be a good opportunity for anyone wishing to brush-up on, and study our local birds. Classroom sessions will be combined with guided bird walks taking advantage of the fact that Radnor Lake is the premier place to see, hear, and study birds in the Nashville area. Our local birds will be covered, and of special interest will be the wood warblers, the elusive and colorful spring migrants that Radnor is so famous for. Through this class you will increase your proficiency in bird identification, learn how to enhance your yard to attract birds, learn what bird resources are available, and learn where to go in our area to look for birds.
...The 5-week class will meet TUESDAYS April 4, 11, 18, 25, & May 2.
The first class meets April 4th 10AM – 12:00 PM in the visitor center meeting room, Radnor Lake State Natural Area, 1160 Otter Creek Rd., Nashville. Morning bird walks start April 11 at 7:30 AM, followed by classroom session starting at 10AM. There is a $75 fee for the class, with a portion of the fee going to Friends of Radnor Lake. Class size limited to 20 persons. Masks are optional; you are certainly encouraged to wear a mask in class, if you feel that's best for you.
... Class taught by Richard Connors, local birder and photographer, with 30 years birding experience, past president of Tennessee Ornithological Society, and board member of Cumberland Harpeth Audubon Society.
... ***CONTACT RICHARD TO REGISTER for the class: email Rconnorsphoto@aol.com, or Didymops07@gmail.com Call or text 615 330-7142
... Classes open to all ages, with youth scholarships available thru Audubon CHAS and NTOS (youths under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult unless approved in advance). Please bring a check (or cash) to the first class, to be made out to me, and I will forward a portion to Friends of Radnor Lake
... WHAT TO BRING to first class: Your favorite field guide(s) & binoculars, if you have them. Birding apps for smart phones will be discussed.
.. BINOCULARS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for successful birding experience; we will cover the topic of use and selection of binoculars, the essential tool for birding.
.. FIELD GUIDE recommendations: Sibley (the big one), Peterson (Eastern) or Nat. Geographic.
.. The SIBLEY Guide to Birds (National Audubon Society) by David Allen Sibley, Kobpf Pub. (2nd edition). there is also a Sibley Eastern Guide
.. Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America (6th Ed.) by Roger Tory Peterson.
.. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America (6th Ed.) There is also an Eastern edition.
.. Stokes Field Guide to Birds Eastern Region. There are others equally as good which would substitute.
.. Various Apps for mobile devices will be covered in class. Recommended free apps include Merlin Bird ID from Cornell, and Audubon's free app Audubon Birds (Guide).
