Please Note:
Participants must register. Tickets are required for All Friday
Workshops & All Saturday Seminars. Tickets are non-transferable for
there may be a waiting list. Thank you for your cooperation. Bios for our field
trip leaders & seminar speakers.
Secrets of
Digiscoping Presenter: Stephen
Ingraham (Zeiss) Limit: 30 participants Fee: $15
Most birders have dreamed of being able to take a photo of what they
see through their binoculars or scope. Now, with the advent of digital
cameras and appropriate adaptors, it is finally possible, without
investing in the heavy and expensive equipment professional bird
photographers use. Come to this informal workshop to find out what
digiscoping is all about; get questions answered by the experts in
optics and pick up tips and tricks. Then take to the field for a little
practice. Attendees are encouraged to bring their scopes and cameras to
the workshop. This is the first of a two-part workshop. The second
session will be an optional field trip offered Saturday morning (see
Field Trips).
Simplifying
Sparrow Identification Presenter: Adam Kent Limit: 30 Participants Fee: $25
This workshop introduces the basics of sparrow identification in the
Southeast. Even though most North American sparrows lack the bright
colors of many warblers, sparrows' distinctive shapes, interesting
behaviors and subtly beautiful patterns can allow us to identify them
with often only a quick glance. Sure, sparrows and their
often-secretive behaviors can present identification challenges in the
Southeast in winter. The trick is being prepared. Once you understand
the basics of the combination of shapes, behaviors and patterns, you,
too, can do away with the term "little brown job." You may even find
yourself saying you are going “sparrowing" instead of birding this
winter!
The Georgia
Coast: A Bird Magnet Presenter: Georgia
Graves Limit: 30 participants Fee: $25
Why is it that so many species of birds just can't resist a visit to
the Georgia coast in fall and winter? Although it's only 100 miles
long, our coast packs in plenty of attractions for birds as well as
people: 14 barrier islands, 5 major river systems, and half a million
acres of marshes and estuaries. What bird could ignore such riches?
This workshop will provide an overview of what is one of the most
productive ecosystems in the world, both as a nursery for fish and
shellfish and as resting, nesting and foraging habitat for a great
variety of bird species. The workshop will also help to illuminate how
tides affect that habitat and explain how the birds move around as the
tides rise and fall. During the final part of the workshop you will go
out onto the beach and learn the secrets of looking at the habitat
features through the eyes of a water bird, enabling you to know where
to find the species you seek.
Jammin' With A birdJam iPod:
Hands-On Workshop Presenters: Denese Van Dyne
and Jay Davis Limit: 30 participants Fee: $15 birdJam and iPods have
revolutionized learning bird songs and validating bird IDs in the
field. This workshop and field trip combo is designed for (1) birders
who already have a birdJam iPod and want to enhance their
skills, and (2) birders who are wondering how this technology could
improve their birding skills and success. We’ll share techniques for
setting up a birdJam iPod for best use as a birding tool,
and also discuss the use of iTunes for those who want to
further customize their installations. A second emphasis will be on how
to use a birdJam iPod for enhancing birding-by-ear skills.
Then, we’ll take a short field trip to put your technology and skills
to work! If you have a birdJam iPod, be sure to bring it to
the workshop. If you don’t have one, this will be a chance to see one
in action.
Some birders tell us they don't take their binoculars and scopes to the
beach because they don't "do" shorebirds. From large to small, in
breeding plumage or drab grayish-brown, shorebirds are certainly one of
the more intimidating identification challenges for those who enjoy
watching birds. Brad Winn's workshop will demystify the process of
sorting through a flock of birds on the beach to identify each species.
Brad is a nationally recognized shorebird expert who has successfully
cured "shorebird phobia" for many birders. He will also share what he
and his staff are discovering about how shorebirds use the Georgia
coast and its connection to the arctic.
This seminar is for beginning birders or individuals who are curious
about bird watching and what is involved. This seminar will cover
binocular basics, identification books, basic identification skills,
and the code of ethics for birders. As time allows we will discuss when
and where to watch birds. Information will be distributed on good
websites and methods for keeping track of what you see.
Why is it that sometimes you go to the beach and there are no
birds? While other times the same beach is a birder’s
delight? Did you know that Georgia has some of the highest tides
south of Massachusetts? Those tides have a big influence on
birds. Discover how these tides affect the birds themselves
whether they are using the beach and marsh for nesting, foraging or
just resting.
Going Native:
Planting for Biodiversity Presenters: David Moulder and
Linda Lamb Limit: 30 participants
Urban development and the subsequent planting of extensive lawns and
exotic ornamental plants that rely heavily on pesticides and mechanical
equipment, has created a tremendous loss of native habitats. Is
there a way to mitigate the negative impact on the environment and our
health? What about BIMBY? Come and participate in a
presentation on gardening for biodiversity through conservation
landscaping in your garden areas. Techniques which will help heal
our landscapes will be discussed, including planting a wide diversity
of native plants to support birds and other wildlife and provide the
ecosystem services necessary for human survival! They will have
samples of some of these native plants to share with seminar
participants.
Twittering for
the Birds Presenter: Kristina Summers Limit: 30 participants
Most people have heard of blogs, and networking sites such as Facebook
and Twitter, but did you know that these social media tools can also be
used for bird conservation? Social Media is turning conservation upside
down and expanding the horizons for bird watchers and enthusiasts
alike. Learn how you can help conserve rare birds, share practical
information and educate others with a few simple clicks of the mouse.
Please Note:
Saturday afternoon Seminars are included with your $30 registration
fee. For unregistered guests, tickets may be purchased al la
carte $10 each for adults and $5 each for children under
12. Tickets are required and non-transferable for there may
be a waiting list.
Thank you for your cooperation.
