Hi All:
Here are the new class listings for Seattle Audubon Society. For more
information, or to register, please contact the Nature Shop at 206.523.4483.

Marissa J. Benavente
Classes Committee Chairperson
Seattle Audubon Society
junebugrocks at attbi.com
206.522.5273


Birds and Botany of Washington's Shrub-Steppe
With Brenda Senturia, Master Birder
This class will focus on the birds and plant communities of selected areas
in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington. Learn to appreciate Sage
Sparrows, Sage Thrashers, Brewer's Sparrows and other shrub-steppe species.
Major habitat types will be presented. The emphasis will be on relationships
between birds and their habitats. Spring wildflowers are spectacular!
Class: Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30, 7 - 9:00 P.M.
Location: Fireside Room, Wedgewood Presbyterian Church
Field Trip: Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4.
Cost: $60 SAS members, $75 nonmembers.
Limit: 24

Ornithology for the Birder Series
Breeding Bird Behavior
With John Wingfield, PhD, University of Washington
The life cycle of birds involves major changes in body structure, physiology
and behavior. In these two classes we will take a close look at behaviors
associated with breeding. For example, why do birds sing and why does
singing rate change with time of year? Why do some birds flock and others
defend exclusive territories? Finally we will explore types of parental
behavior and the nests that birds construct to raise their young.
Class: Monday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 7, 7-9:00PM
Location: Douglas Classroom, CUH
Cost: $40 SAS members, $55 non-members
Limit: 40


The Effect of High Latitude Climate Change On Arctic and Antarctic Seabirds
With George Divoky, PhD, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska
Polar regions and the species that occupy them will be among the first to
experience the effects of global temperature increases. Both the Arctic
and Antarctic support large and diverse seabird populations and changes in
these populations are already being observed as rising air temperatures
affect the sensitive snow and ice habitats that characterize both regions.
We will discuss current research documenting changes in high latitude
seabird populations and the physical and ecosystem processes driving these
changes. In addition, we will examine potential future changes in various
climate change scenarios.
George has conducted research in the Arctic for over three decades and has
an ongoing study of Black Guillemots in northern Alaska. A summary of his
research is online at http://cooperisland.org
Class: Tuesday, May 6, 7-9:00PM
Location: Fireside Room, Wedgewood Presbyterian Church
Cost: $40 SAS members, $55 non-members
Limit: 40


The Art of Nature Series
Illustrated Journaling
With Frances Wood, Master Birder
Quick sketches, diagrams and colorful drawings add a delightful visual
element to field notes and journals. This three-session course will give
techniques and ideas for saving a thousand words by including a picture. We
will explore several media including ink and colored pencil. No "talent" or
experience necessary.
Before becoming a writer and editor Frances Wood taught art for many years.
She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in art and teaching. Frances has
painted and illustrated birds for sale and publication.
Class: Wednesdays, May 7, 14, and 21, 7-9:00 PM.
Location: Classroom B-1, Wedgewood Presbyterian Church
Cost: $60 SAS members, $75 nonmembers
Limit: 12



Birds and Botany of Washington's Ponderosa Pine Zone
With Brenda Senturia, Master Birder
In this class we will explore the diverse avifauna of the Ponderosa Pine
zone of Eastern Washington. We will also cover the major plant species and
habitat characteristics as well as the many bird species that inhabit
Ponderosa Pine forests, including White-headed Woodpeckers, White-breasted
Nuthatches, Gray Flycatchers, and Western Bluebirds. We will also discuss
fire ecology.
Class: Monday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 14, 7 - 9:00 PM
Location: Douglas Classroom, CUH
Field Trip: Saturday, May 17 or Sunday May 18
Cost: $60 SAS members, $75 nonmembers
Limit: 24



Birding by Ear
with Bob Sundstrom, Professional Birding Tour Leader
This popular and practical class is back this spring in a format emphasizing
intensive field experience. This class is designed to help you get a handle
on bird songs and calls, and the field trips will cover a wide variety of
habitats within 100 miles of Seattle. This class is intended for first time
birding by ear students as well as those wanting an intensive refresher. One
evening introductory session is followed by your choice of two different
full-day field trips. Students must sign up for each field trip separately.
Come tune up your ears!
Class: Wednesday, May 14, 7-9:00 PM
Location: Douglas Classroom, CUH
Field Trips: #1: Nisqually and Thurston County - Sunday, May 18
#2: East of the Cascades - Sunday, June 22
You may register for one or both field trips. Travel will be by carpool;
meeting instructions will be given in class on May 14. The evening class is
for all class field trip registrants and there is no separate charge for
this session.
Cost: $55 per field trip for SAS members, $70 per field trip for non-members
Limit: 18 per field trip



Wild Plants of Greater Seattle
With Arthur Lee Jacobson, author of Trees of Seattle etc; a lifelong
Seattleite with 20+ years of plant-study. To learn more go to
www.arthurleej.com.
A lively way to learn the ID and attributes of urban and suburban wild
plants. Get acquainted with native and non-native trees, shrubs, weeds,
wildflowers, and grasses. Whether you know much or not, you will enhance
your understanding and appreciation of greenery in the city. The class
consists of two slide-illustrated evening lectures to serve as a broad
overview and introduction, and a weekend field trip to see, touch, sniff and
sometimes taste living plants. Optional text is the instructor's book Wild
Plants of Greater Seattle.
Class: Tuesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 29, 7-9:00PM
Location: Issacson Boardroom, CUH
Field Trip: Saturday, May 31, 9-12:00 Noon
Cost: $50 for SAS members, $65 for non-members
Limit: 15