Field Ornithology

Ornithology is a branch of zoology that focuses on the study of birds. Field Ornithology takes that observation of birds outdoors, also known as bird watching.

Join Phinizy Center Education staff and invited field trip leaders as we offer our Field Ornithology courses throughout the year! We offer programs of varying lengths throughout the year to help students achieve necessary skills needed for confident field identification. Weekly classes include lecture, field study, discussion, and home-reading suggestions to help each participant become more comfortable with field identification of our local bird species.

These courses introduce participants to some of the many great birding spots the CSRA has to offer. Participants gain a great appreciation for our feathered friends as we explore basic bird anatomy, field marks, behavior, habitat, and more. Participants are required to meet at different birding locations each week and are encouraged to carpool if possible. Registration fees include reference books, a class notebook with handouts, and an automatic enrollment to become a Friend of Phinizy! Binoculars will be available for use during field trips.

Email ruth.mead@phinizycenter.org with questions or to be put on a waitlist.

Field Ornithology: Basics Course  

This course focuses on binocular basics, basic birding techniques, principles of birding ethics, understanding bird behavior, bird groups & classification, habitat, ecological niches, bird vocalizations, identifying field marks, bird ecology, migration, attracting birds to your yard and more!

Twelve-week program; Wednesdays 8 AM – 12 PM; September through November

Field Ornithology: Weekly Studies

This course is for individuals who have been through basic field ornithology and are confident birding on their own but want to continue to enhance their skills and knowledge base through weekly field studies. The class will focus on harder-to-identify species such as sparrows, shorebirds, fall warblers, hawks, and hard-to-see birds as well as quick ID for our common species.

Twelve-week program; Thursdays 8 AM – 12:30 PM; September through December  

Field Ornithology: Winter Birds and Waterfowl

This course focuses on our winter waterfowl migrants, as well as our other year-round residents that live near our water habitats. 

Six-week program; Fridays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; January to February 

Field Ornithology: Beyond Basics, Winter Studies

This course is for individuals who have been through basic field ornithology and are becoming avid birdwatchers but want to continue field studies. The class will focus on harder-to-identify winter species such as sparrows, shorebirds, fall warblers, hawks, and hard-to-see birds.  

Six-week program; Thursdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; January to February 

Field Ornithology: Spring Breeding Behavior

This course focuses on habitat selection, courtship displays, territorial displays, breeding plumage, song, mating systems, incubation, parental care, nests, juvenile plumage and more!

Eight-week program; Wednesdays 8 AM – 12 PM; March to May (no class master’s week)