WORKSHOPS and TALKS
Birds on the Wind: The Miracle of Migration
(with
Kevin Karlson - Friday night at 7 PM)Bird migration is truly one of the most amazing natural wonders in our world today. From the unbelievable 7000 miles nonstop journeys of Bar-tailed Godwits to spectacular raptor concentrations during migration, there are still many unanswered questions about the movements of migratory birds. The program begins with a review of different types of bird migration before highlighting various bird families and select species that perform amazing feats of physical endurance during their bi-annual journeys. Breathtaking photos and several musical interludes add to the interesting nature of this presentation. This light-hearted program appeals to birders and nonbirders alike.
Birding by Impression Workshop
(with Kevin Karlson - Friday at 1:00 PM)
This interactive indoor workshop shares a different approach to field identification that Kevin calls Birding by Impression, which is the title of his forthcoming book in the Roger Tory Peterson Reference Series at Houghton Mifflin Co. A short description of Birding by Impression is followed by special digitized photos from his new book that encourage the audience to spot differences between similar species in direct side-by-side comparison. This exciting ID approach concentrates on basic impressions of size, shape and body motion to form an accurate initial mental picture of every bird seen in the field. A similar approach was used in Kevin’s best selling book, The Shorebird Guide (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006). Tips on evaluating important physical impressions for each bird family, and a review of difficult ID dilemmas for similar species are highlighted in this seminar.
Birding
101 Workshop(with Pete Dunne - Friday at 3 PM)
Take the first step into a world of discovery. Long time beginning birder Pete Dunne will give you the basics, show you how to avoid frustration, offer tips on equipment, clothing, etiquette, and most of all how to find and identify birds. Afraid to come because you don't know anything about birds? Just remember the difference between an experienced birder and an inexperienced one is that thus far inexperienced birders have misidentified very few birds. Experienced birders have misidentified thousands.
The
Art of Pishing Workshop(with Pete Dunne - Saturday at 1 PM)
Throughout history, birds have been studied in one of two ways. You blunder into a bird or you wait for the bird to blunder into you. There's a third way. It's called "pishing" and it involves mimicking the scolding calls of birds to entice them to approach close enough for study. Pete Dunne, author of the Art of Pishing, purports to induct you into the Order of Pishers. Learn how who wheeze, squeak, shush, and warbler your way to peace of mind, spiritual enlightenment and a few good birds. Those easily embarrassed need not attend.
Identification of Shorebirds and Raptors by Impression Workshop
(with Kevin Karlson - Sunday at 1:00 pm)
The first half of this short indoor workshop helps to remove confusion that exists with field identification of shorebirds. Formerly a difficult task reserved for experts, shorebird ID becomes easier for all levels of birders if a relatively simple approach is taken. Starting with basic principles of non-changeable impressions of size, structure and behavior, a simple accurate first impression is formed. By first concentrating on the “basics” for each shorebird, a foundation is built for applying feather details and plumage patterns to reach a more complete ID picture. The second half of this workshop explains how hawk watchers use impression-based skills to evaluate and identify raptors at great distances and in challenging conditions. Detail analysis is not really useful for most raptor ID, but recognition of subtle flight movements, wing flaps and body language is a
major
part of the process. Kevin shows with digital photos how to identify raptors
by shape and structure, and explains subtleties of distinctive flight motion
for a number of species. Come and learn the inside scoop of hawk watching
skills, and start your own evolution to Birding by Impression. Digitized
comparison photos from Kevin’s new book Birding by Impression (2012) help to
make this interactive workshop both fun and educational.