An Introduction to Ornithology

While birds have always fascinated people because of their beauty and their ability to fly, birdwatching has become even more popular recently. Join us in this class where you’ll learn all about identifying birds and the best ways to identify and find them.

Many people find birdwatching a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors and at the same time help monitor the health of bird populations. Many bird watchers collect data and submit it to citizen science projects and long-term programs. This data is used by professionals to study bird populations, conservation, migration, disease spread, climate change, and trends. The study of birds, referred to as ornithology, has helped develop key concepts in biology including evolution, behavior, and ecology.

In this ornithology class presented by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and taught by one of Northern Virginia’s best birders, students will learn about the history of ornithology in Virginia, bird biology, bird life, taxonomy, identification, and monitoring programs. We will also use Birds of Loudoun County and learn about tools of the trade including binoculars, scopes, field guides, and other tools that are used by birders and ornithologists alike. This class will be taught in three 2-hour sessions (with break and Q&A) and will include a half-day field trip in Loudoun County. (Wednesdays, September 15, 22, & 29, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Morven Park, Stone Barn, and Saturday, October 9 field trip: time and location TBD.) No prior knowledge of birds is required.  Limit: 20.  Registration required.  

All participants will be required to wear a mask inside the classroom, unless otherwise directed by the instructor.

Price for all three classes and field trip:
LWC member price $35 ($55 with the book Birds of Loudoun County)
Non-member price $45 ($65 with the book Birds of Loudoun County)

Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Registration is closed.