Sparrows in Winter

Date: February 12, 7 pm to February 28, 12 noon
 
Instructor: Steve Hunter, shunter@goldengatebirds.org

Description: Dive into the bushes with us to enter the world of the sparrow, a fun and interesting family of birds that are well-represented in the greater Bay Area. We will focus on the species you can find here in the winter, including White and Golden-Crowns, Fox, Lincoln’s, plus our year-round residents such as Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Savannah Sparrows, California and Spotted Towhees. Often a source of anxiety for birders, the identification challenges offered by these birds can end up being quite rewarding when you learn how to distinguish between them. We will use a variety of techniques to separate them, including grouping by related species, field marks, vocalizations, habitat, and behavior.

Aside from the focus on the species wintering here, we will also do a quick overview of the species to look for in the spring and summer. The instructor will provide suggestions to look for Rufous-crowned, Grasshopper and Lark Sparrows in the spring.

Field trips will be: Meeker Slough on February 14, which will be around 2 miles on flat, paved multi-use paths, with a side excursion on a sand spit.  

Arrowhead Marsh on February 21, around 2 miles on flat, paved multi-use paths. Sibley Volcanic Preserve on February 28, which will be closer to 3 miles, on hard-packed dirt paths with moderate grades.

Restrooms are available at the start of all field trips.
 
Recordings of the lecture presentations will be available to class participants for a limited period of time.
            
Three Thursday evening sessions via Zoom, 7 to 9 pm: February 12, 19, 26.
      (Zoom link will be provided when you register.)
Three Saturday morning field trips, February 14, 21, 28.
 
Class Size: Limited to 20 participants.

Price: $150 ($120 for GGBA members, a 20% discount).

Registration opens on Wednesday, December 3, for all Winter classes, and closes on Wednesday, February 11.