Northern Ecology
Discovering the Language of Birds
Course Overview
We call them songs, but in reality, those sweet bird chirps and calls are more than a happy little tune on a spring day. Birds are “saying” a lot with all the vocalizations they make. Explore the world of bird language and discover the difference between a comfortable bird and a bird that is in full alarm mode. Learning bird language will open up a whole new understanding of why birds sing and call, and lead to a deeper connection to these wild inhabitants of our natural world. No previous experience or identification skills are needed, but participants should be able to hike distances of up to a mile over uneven terrain. Youth ages 14-15 are welcome to register with a full-paying adult (a 25% tuition discount applies to the youth student); ages 16+ may register on their own, but will be responsible for transportation to the field sites.
Required Tools
- Clothing, footwear and any gear you need to be comfortable outdoors on the North Shore in the spring. This might include rain gear, sun protection, bug protection, and warm layers.
- Lunch, snacks, water bottle, and something to carry them in. Our timing will depend on the birds; please bring what you need to stay fueled throughout the day.
Optional Tools
- Note taking materials
- Binoculars