Audubon Teaches Nature begins 26th year with a reptile sampler

For 26th year, the Birmingham Audubon Society, along with co-sponsors the Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, and the Friends of Oak Mountain State Park are presenting the Audubon Teaches Nature (ATN) Series seminars.

Exploring and celebrating the diversity of Alabama’s natural history, these seminars provide the public with the knowledge and skills to enjoy your time in the field,  whether you are birding, hiking, biking or just exploring the outdoors.

Meet and learn from some of Alabama’s leading naturalists this fall and Spring, beginning on Sunday, October 23rd. Here is the recently released Audubon Teaches Nature 2016/2017 schedule:

Reptiles, A Sampler – Featuring David Frings and Jimmy Stiles, Sunday, October 23, 2016, 2 P.M. at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center

Reptiles are among the most ancient animals on the planet, having existed for over 300 million years. Modern reptiles inhabit every continent except Antarctica. They number in excess of 10,000 species, and of these 93 are indigenous to Alabama: one crocodile, 12 lizard, 49 snake and 31 turtle species. Four lizard species have been introduced.  The October program will include a sampling of live native and non-native species, affording close-up views of their unique adaptations. Kids will love this program, and be sure to bring a camera!

Other topics, speakers and dates in the 2016/2017 series include:

Exploring Wild Alabama – Featuring Larry Davenport and Ken Wills, Sunday, November 20, 2016, 2 P.M. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center

Birds of Prey, Masters of the Skies  – Featuring the Alabama Wildlife Center Raptor Team, Sunday, January 22, 2017, 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. Alabama Wildlife Center

Alabama Wildlife Center Geology and Paleontology in Alabama: a Treasure Underfoot – Featuring Dana Ehret, Sunday, February 19, 2017, 2 P.M. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center

Mysteries of Bird Migration – Featuring Anne G. Miller,  Sunday, March 19, 2017, 2 P.M. Alabama Wildlife Center

Alabama Birding Trails – Featuring Joe Watts,  Sunday, April 30, 2017, 2:00 p.m. Alabama Wildlife Center

Alabama State Parks: Your Gateway to Outdoor Recreation – Featuring Emily Vanderford,  Sunday, May 21, 2017, 2 P.M. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center

All programs are held at the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park, and the adjacent Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Admission to the park is $5 per adult (age 12+), $2 per child (age 4 to 11), $2 per senior (age 62+) and free for ages 3 & under. There is no charge for the ATN program.