ZOOLOGY SERIES
Introduction to Birding in the Delaware Valley
Professor Clifford Hence

This course will be held at the Independence Branch of the Free Library, located at 18 S. 7th Street (7th and Market Streets), Philadelphia. 

LECTURES BEGIN AT 6:30 PM

FIELD TRIPS WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 11 AM

First class postponed until Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 PM.

Independence branch is closed on Wednesday, April 7.

1. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - When and Where to Bird
   Spring migrations offer some of the best opportunities to see a wide variety of bird species. By visiting different habitats at the right time birders can see species that are not usually present in their local area. Time of day can also make a difference in how many species can be observed during migration.  
2. Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - Using Field Marks to Identify Birds in the Field
   Using a system developed by the late Roger Tory Peterson and others, birders can use clues such as size and shape, as well as distinctive field marks on each species to identify birds.
3. Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - Birding by Ear/Computer
   While many bird songs can sound similar, by using a system of mnemonic devices and comparing songs and calls, many bird songs can be learned and aid in identifying birds. We will also look at how the Internet has revolutionized birding.
4. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - Birding Further Afield
   Travel broadens birding opportunities tremendously. An excursion to different states, countries or continents opens up possibilities to see a larger variety of species to the adventurous birder.
5. Saturday, May 1, 2010 - Field Trip - John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
6. Saturday, May 8, 2010 - Field Trip - Fort Washington State Park

7. Saturday, May 15, 2010 - Field Trip - Palmyra Cove Nature Park

Each year over 200 species of birds migrate through the Delaware Valley region. This course is designed to help you know when and where to bird, as well as learn how to identify these species in the field. Lectures will focus on the "field marks" of birds. There will also be a discussion of using binoculars and scopes in the field. Field trips will involve about 2 to 3 miles of mostly flat walking. Directions will be provided to participants by professor.

Recommended reading:

Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds. By Robert Tory Peterson. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980.

Birding the Delaware Valley Region. By John and Justin Harding. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1980.

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding. By Jack Connor. Boston: Houghton Mifflin

Company, 1988.

Birdsong: A Natural History. By Don Stap. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.

Why Birds Sing: A Journey Into the Mystery of Birdsong. By David Rothenberg. New York: Basic Books, 2006.

To See Every Bird on Earth: A Father, a Son, and a Lifelong Obsession. By Dan Koeppel. Plume, 2006.

The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession. By Mark Obmascik. Free Press, 2005.

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