Hi all

Just a note about some opportunities for taking classes at SAS. Contact the
nature shop to sign up or to obtain more info (206.523.4483).

Introduction to Birdwatching
With Neil Zimmerman, Master Birder and SAS Field Trip Leader
"What was that bird you said I saw?" This class is designed to help you
answer that question. The first class will cover topics such as choosing
binoculars, selecting and using field guides, and birdwatching techniques.
The next two classes will focus on identifying common western Washington
birds through the use of slides. Birding by ear will be covered in the last
class as well as where to find birds. We will also explore other sources of
birding information such as web sites, CD-ROM and videotapes. Participants
will be able to put their newly acquired skills to use on a field trip to
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Classes: Thursday, April 4; Mondays, April 8th and 22nd; Thursday, April
25th.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture
Field Trip: choose either Saturday, May 4th or Sunday, May 5th. (Trips
will be full day.)
Cost: $80 Members, $95 Non-members
Class Limited to 24 Participants



An Introduction to Tracking
With Paul Houghtaling, Wilderness Awareness School
One of the best ways to learn about the lives of mammals is through
observation of the tracks and signs that they leave. The classroom segment
will introduce and teach tracking techniques as well as discuss the uses of
tracking in wildlife conservation. The field trip will include practical
experience in all of these areas. Please bring your lunch, a field journal,
and camera (optional).
Paul has been a student of wildlife, the tracks and signs they leave and the
art of tracking since 1995. Having used animal tracking to monitor wildlife
activity for various research and management programs, Paul finds few joys
greater than reading the unseen lives of our animal neighbors and
introducing the joys of tracking to others.
Class: Friday, April 12th, 6-8 pm. Douglas Classroom, CUH
Fieldtrip: Saturday, April 13, 9am-3pm.
Cost: $60 SAS members, $75 Non-members
Limited to 20 participants.


Learning the Language of Birds
Instructor: Daniel Evans, Local Programs Coordinator of Wilderness
Awareness School
How is it that so many birds and animals can noiselessly escape our
detection? By understanding Bird Language we will discover the "alarm
system" that most animals use to remain unseen. In this fun class we will
learn the basic principles, make a detailed study of bird alarms, and then
practice our observation skills in a nearby wild space. Please come dressed
for the weather.
Wilderness Awareness School specializes in bringing traditional
hunter/gatherer teachings to the modern day naturalist and leads adult and
youth programs in nature awareness, tracking, bird language and mentoring
skills.
Class: Sunday, April 28, 9:00AM-1:00PM
Location: Section A of NHS Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture.
Cost: Members $35 Non-members $50
Limited to 18 participants.



Birds of the Puget Sound Area : A four week field course for Birders
With Brian Bell, SAS Master Birder and teacher
Learn by doing! In this four-part course you will learn basic principles,
etiquette, field guides, equipment and identification techniques for
successful birding and practice them in the field. Good for experienced and
beginning birders. Winter is a great time to bird in Seattle and Puget
Sound. Many of the birds are large and sit still. Come join this class and
have fun.
Class/field trips: Sundays, April 21, May 5, 12 and 19, 8:00AM - 12 noon.
Location:
Session 1: Class meets at the SAS Nature Office, followed by a field trip to
Montlake Fill.
Session 2: Field trip to Discovery Park.
Session 3: Field trip to Spencer Island.
Session 4: Field trip to be determined.
Cost: $50 members, $65.00 nonmembers.
Limited to 15 participants.


The Natural History of Backyard Birds
With Lyanda Haupt, Master Birder and author of "Rare Encounters with
Ordinary Birds."
Increase your understanding and appreciation of the birds you see most
often. We'll explore the secrets of backyard birdlife, including diet,
behavior, ecological adaptations, breeding, nesting, mating, and migration.
All the birds we are likely to encounter in Northwest backyards will be
covered, and a few less common visitors as well. Get ready for spring, and
come enjoy this lively class.
Class: Mondays, April 29 and May 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Section A of NHS Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture
Cost: $35 members, $50 nonmembers
Class Limited to 40 participants.


Marissa J. Benavente
Classes Committee Chairperson
Seattle Audubon Society
junebugrocks at attbi.com
206.459.4309