BIRDING BY EAR: Learning to identify birds without sight

Registration for 2020 will open this spring!

Just as unique as their coloration and shape, bird songs come in all tunes and pitches. Identifying birds by their song is an exciting activity and skill, and any experienced bird watcher will tell you that most birding is done without actually seeing the bird, but by hearing it.

This class teaches the techniques and songs for identifying birds by close listening. The first day will involve classroom-based learning, exploring the various songs of common bird species for June in Pheasant Branch Conservancy. The second day will take place at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, where a wide, flat, gravel/boardwalk path will take us through wooded habitat to practice our new-found skills.

Fully accessible class

Both the indoor and outdoor components are specially designed to serve those who experience vision impairment or loss. For those who would like it, we can offer materials in Braille or large font, and we can provide sighted assistants to help participants safely maneuver through the Conservancy.

The outdoor portion of the class will offer sighted assistants at a 2:1 ratio to help participants safely maneuver through the park. Participants are encouraged to bring your own friends or loved ones to serve as your sighted guide instead; please indicate that in the registration form. Service animals are welcome, but please note that leashed dogs are also allowed in the park.

Co-organized with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired

Dates, times and locations:

We are offering a weeknight date and a weekend date for both the indoor and outdoor portions, to allow for individuals of all walks to participate. When you register, you will select 1 of the 2 date options for both the indoor and outdoor portions.

Indoor portion: TBD at the conference room in the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (754 Williamson Street)

Outdoor portion: TBD, at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton

Registration fee: $20.00 per person
Enrollment cap: 25 individuals
Taught by: Kerry Wilcox

Header photo by Arlene Koziol