Palmetto Pro Birder
Friday, 03 February 2012 12:30
The goal of the Palmetto Pro Birder Program is to expose motivated citizens to the diversity of avifauna in the Palmetto State and, by that exposure, build an understanding of the importance of conserving native habitats to maintain or restore the state's avian diversity.
|
|
We envision building a core of SCWF Citizen Scientists who are equipped with field ornithology skills to be competent in identifying birds by sight, sound and behavior in the field. These citizen scientists will be ambassadors for conservation and potential members and allies of SCWF and its long-standing agenda to conserve the state's wildlife, habitats and conservation heritage. |
Several modules are held each year, with different instructors, at various locations around the state. Each module will include a classroom portion which will focus on the basics of bird biology, identification, habitats, and conservation, as well as field work.
At the end of each module, students will:
have learned the “tricks of the trade” for identifying the common species, as well as some of the rarer species in SC- be able to identify by sight and /or sound 30-50 bird species - learn new birds in each module!
- understand the roles of Citizen Science in protecting birds and habitat
- be better able to plan bird-friendly landscapes that attract and retain a higher diversity of avifauna
|
Several modules will be offered each year. To become a Certified Pro Birder, you will be required to attend four SCWF training modules. Participants can register for four modules at once to ensure that the space is held, or pick and choose sessions based on date or location. Each module will be appropriate for beginners, and include basics of bird identification. Each class will also include varying species, due to location and time of year, to interest those attending multiple modules.
|
|
|
When: The modules can be completed in any order - you can start at any time with the next upcoming module if there is space. Each module includes a Saturday session from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and a Sunday session from 7:00 am until noon. |
2012 Palmetto Pro Birder Modules:
March 17-18**Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia
Instructor: Drew Lanham
June 23-24
Congaree National Park
Instructor: Drew Lanham
October 6-7
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Instructor: Josh Arrants
October 27-28
Dewees Island, Charleston
Instructor: Drew Lanham
November 10-11
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Instructor: Austin Jenkins
December 29-30
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Instructor: Drew Lanham
Cost: $150 per module. Participants will pack a lunch, and bring their own materials (suggested items below). We will provide suggestions for nearby lodging and meals upon request.
Suggested Materials:
- National Geographic Guide to Eastern Birds
- Binoculars (although each module will include information on the types of optics to buy, so don't buy new binoculars before your first module.)
Contact: Sara Green, SCWF Director of Education
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (803) 609-4778
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (803) 609-4778
Space is limited to 20 participants per module, register early!
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 May 2012 04:58 )
