Beginning Birding in the East Bay

Dates: January 21, 6:30 pm to February 14, 12 noon
 
Instructor: Rachel Katz (rkatz@goldengatebirds.org)

Description: Dive into the wonder of winter birds in the East Bay. We will spend quality time observing and discussing birds from along the shoreline and up into the hills, so you can get a grasp of the sights, sounds, behaviors, and natural history of a selection of our (mostly Berkeley and Oakland) feathered friends.

The Zoom class will be an opportunity for everyone to get up to speed on the structure and equipment for the class and the history of the area. Then everyone will pool their knowledge and observations on field trips, with some optional assignments in between to provide more learning opportunities. Please come prepared to participate in a diverse learning community, and have room on your device to install free apps. Binoculars are encouraged but we can start you with a loaner pair, and you should definitely have a field notebook.

Field trips are all in the East Bay, but the locations have not been finalized. If you have questions about the field trip locations or concerns about getting to them, please email the instructor.  Carpooling will be encouraged, especially when the trips are not bike/transit-friendly.

If you have accessibility needs, please email the instructor.

Recording of the first session via Zoom will be available to class participants for a limited period of time.

One Wednesday evening Zoom session January 21, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
 (Zoom link will be provided when you register.)

Four three-hour Saturday field trips, 9 am to 12 noon: January 24, 31; February 7, 14.
(Field trip rain date, Saturday February 21.)

Field trip locations will be announced in class and by email.

Class Size: Limited to 16 participants

Price: $175 ($140 for GGBA members, a 20% discount).

Registration opens on Wednesday, December 3, for all Winter classes, and closes on Tuesday, January 20.