The goal of Beginning Birding is to launch beginners into the fun and fascinating world of birding in the Twin Cities. We will teach you the techniques and tools for observation and identification of local birds and their fascinating behaviors. By the end of the course, you will gain the confidence to go birding on your own in your backyard, nearby parks, and beyond.
Participants will learn:
- How to use binoculars
- How to attune your senses to locate birds
- How to look at birds in order to identify them
- Terminology for bird identification, including bird body parts
- Different identification tools and how to use them, including web application and field guides
This class is a 2-part series: Saturday, June 8th, 8:00-11:00 a.m. AND Sunday, June 9, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
June 8 location: Roberts Bird Sanctuary, 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409
June 9 location: Veteran's Park Richfield, 6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Instructors: Lisa Keitel and Derek Debrauske
Course instructor Lisa Keitel is a lifelong birder and Minnesota Master Naturalist since 2017. She is a volunteer with the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, St. Paul Audubon, and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area National Park (MISS). She has experience as an outdoor education naturalist and co-leads MYBirdClub for youth and families. She created a bird club for Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, offering birding as an ongoing activity for cancer patients and survivors to aid in their recovery. Lisa also created a bird club for Minnesota Independence College and Community in Richfield (a life skills and vocational education program for young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences.). She has received Volunteer of the Year honors from the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (2019) and MISS (2022).
