Advanced Ornithology

Explore the birds of Duke Farms through this 2-day intensive short course. Each day blends field data collection and classroom learning, offering a unique opportunity to sharpen avian identification skills while exploring the role birds play in the ecosystem. Learn how birds serve as indicators of ecosystem quality and inform conservation and land management decisions. Lecture and field content includes ecology, behavior, anatomy, research techniques, and conservation efforts.

Day 1

• Lecture: Avian ecology, role of birds in the ecosystem, avian field methods
• Field: Birding skills, field identification, single-observer point counts

Day 2

• Lecture: Birds as bioindicators for land management, land use history, integrating data into landscape management
• Field: Small group data collection and discussion

Continuing Education Credits

This course is approved for credits from the following organizations.

Ecological Society of America: TBD

Prerequisites

This program assumes participants have a basic knowledge of native avian species identification and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that field classes will take place fully outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 2 hours.

Program Guidelines

All programs begin at the Farm Barn Orientation Center unless otherwise noted.

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable.

Programs at Duke Farms are held rain or shine, but in the event of severe or impeditive weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.

Accessibility

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Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Always

• Flat, well-maintained trails
• KultureCity sensory bags
• Inclusive and responsive instruction
• We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

Upon Request

• Instructors with voice amplifiers
• Paved trails only
• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
• American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here. For all inquirires, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.