Beginning Birdwatching Class

Virtual Classroom Dates (Wednesdays): September 29 and October 6 from 7-9pm

Field Trip Dates: October 16, 23, 30 and November 6 from 8-11am

Field Trip locations include South Platte Park, Audubon Center at Chatfield, Prospect Park, and Genesee Park

New to birding? Wonder how to begin? Let Audubon Master Birders help you learn about bird identification, behavior, and habitats as well as choices for binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This class will be a combination of evening virtual classes and two field trips: one to the Audubon Center at Chatfield and the other to South Platte Park. The virtual classes – via Zoom – lends itself to "virtual" birding and discussion about local and regional birding sites, how to look for birds, and the keys for identification. The class is designed to provide you with knowledge you can use to kick-start your lifelong love of birding! Once you get hooked, you will embark on a hobby that leads to many adventures.

By registering for this class and attending the field trips, you agree to the following:

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:

-You will self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 8 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

The walk itself will be a flat 2-mile loop along Clear Creek Trail, with the option for bathrooms and leaving early at the halfway point. The woods and ponds along this river corridor provide excellent habitat for many species of birds, as well as rest stops for late migrants. We hope to see a variety of recently arrived waterfowl, plenty of resident birds, and some fall migrants passing through. This trip is geared towards beginner birders, but all skill levels are welcome.

Enter Prospect Park off W. 44th Ave., and continue to the last, largest parking lot at the end of the road. Bring binoculars if you have them, layers, sunscreen, and water. For more information, please call Sarah Leavesley, trip leader, at 317-809-9839. Please note that this trip is not accessible for those with mobility challenges.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
You will self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of six feet.
-Masks Indoors: We strongly recommend everyone, including fully vaccinated persons, wear a mask in all public indoor spaces and maintain social distancing of six feet when interacting with people outside their household.

Photo credit: Rachel Woolf.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 12 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

This is an easy outing focusing on the many species of ducks that will winter in Ketring Park. We will focus on birding the lake using binoculars and scopes. There is an opportunity to bird around the park as well, searching for other birds. The pathways are paved and wheelchair accessible.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-You will self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Jefferson County strongly recommends that all residents ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, return to wearing a mask in indoor public spaces to minimize risk and maximize protection.

Photo credit: Dick Vogel.