ONLINE Course: Audubon at Home: Birding by Habitat

Pre-registration is required by 12 p.m. CDT Tuesday, May 31st. For more information and to register, visit alaudubon.org/event/2022-06-01.

Over 450 species of birds have been documented in Alabama and, of these, 158 regularly breed here. Early summer—when males and females are on territory—is an excellent time to learn which habitats they prefer and in which they are most likely to be found. Males are energetic in their singing, and once the eggs hatch, parents are often quite visible as they search for food to feed their young. In short, it’s a great time to find birds beyond your backyard! Birding beyond your backyard offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge of birds and gain a better appreciation for the bird diversity in this state. And because Alabama has a wealth of habitats within her borders, it’s no surprise that an array of species has adapted to and exploits this diversity. Deciduous and pine forests, bottomland swamps, grasslands and pastures, weedy fields, wetlands, beaches and shores—even gravel rooftops!—provide habitat for nesting birds, and as you will learn in this course, each one has a suite of breeding birds more likely to be found there. Come along with our instructor, Greg Harber, as we explore Alabama’s birds and learn where to find them. Where and when do we meet? This online course meets on four consecutive Wednesdays (6/1, 6/8, 6/15, and 6/22), from 6–8 p.m. CDT. It will be a two-hour online class with some time at the end for questions. Cost: Your one-time registration fee of $40 covers all four meetings.* (While you are not required to attend each class, do note that we cannot refund individuals for partial attendance.) We will be recording the class and making it available to participants for a week after each class. *We understand there are economic barriers that many are facing during this time. If you live in Alabama and would like to request financial assistance, please visit alaudubon.org/event/2022-06-01 for more information.* Registration: To register, visit alaudubon.org/event/2022-06-01. About the instructor: Greg Harber has been a member of Alabama Audubon since he first moved to the city in 1986. During that time, he has served in various capacities, including as a chapter officer and key member on several committees (Bird Counts and Education, among others). An avid cyclist and master birder, he currently serves on the Alabama Audubon Board of Directors and as chair of our Conservation committee. Photo credit: American goldfinch by Greg Harber.