Subject: Seattle Audubon Society Class Listings-classes with space available
Date: Feb 20 10:47:52 2003
From: Marissa J. Benavente - junebugrocks at attbi.com



Hi All
Here are the Seattle Audubon Society classes that still have space
available. Please note that there is a two week deadline for refunds and
that member prices apply only to SAS members. Please see ECNW for full
details of registration. 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


Seabird Seminar
with Brian Bell, Master Birder
This basic level seabird seminar and field trip is for birders who want to
know more about what's out there on our Puget Sound waters. We will gather
Thursday evening for a two-hour session covering basic birding techniques
and discuss some of the interesting species we are likely to see. On
Saturday morning, we'll be walking on, and birding, from the Fauntleroy
ferry en route to and from Vashon Island and Point Southworth. Grebes,
loons, cormorants, scoters, and alcids are likely. Bring money for the ferry
on Saturday.
Class: Thursday, February 27, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, Room B1
Field Trip: Saturday, March 1
Cost: $40 SAS members, $55 non-members
Class limited to 20 participants.


Ornithology for the Birder Series
What Birders Should Know about Plumages and Molt
with Michael Donahue
What is "alternate plumage" and is it different from "breeding plumage?" Why
should the "pre-basic molt," be of interest to birders? This class will
cover molt and plumage terminology, give a basic overview of plumage
sequences, and illustrate how understanding plumage sequence and molt can be
an important aid in bird identification. Research on molt is an expanding
field in ornithology, and is revealing some interesting insights into avian
natural history. This class will also present the results of recent research
conducted on the molting patterns of some northwest birds. It will be
helpful for participants to bring the Sibley Guide to Birds or the National
Geographic Guide to class.
Instructor: In addition to being interested in gulls and seabirds, Mike has
studied molt at the UW Burke Museum, and had the results of his research
recently published in The Auk.
Class: Fridays, February 28 and March 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture
Cost: $40 SAS members, $55 non-members
Class limited to 40 participants.


Bainbridge Island Circumnavigation
With George Gerdts, Naturalist
Circumnavigate Bainbridge Island aboard the luxurious 69-foot charter
cruiser, "My Girl" with George Gerdts aboard as naturalist. "My Girl" is a
custom built, diesel-powered yacht. It has a PA system and excellent
viewing from covered outside decks as well as comfortable inside seating.
The trip offers a careful inspection of Eagle Harbor, Blakley Rock,
Restoration Point, Rich Passage, Agate Pass, and Puget Sound opposite
Seattle. Expect great looks at three species of cormorants, loons
(including some large rafts of Pacific Loons), sea ducks (including
Long-tailed and Harlequin), a Bald Eagle or two, great scenery, and a
unique, close-up view of Bainbridge Island.
Cruise Date: Saturday, March 22, 2003
Time: The cruise leaves Winslow City Dock at 9:00 am and returns at 1:30 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
Limit: 35


Introduction to Shorebird ID: A Beginner's Course on Washington's Coastal
Shorebirds
with Jim Flynn, Master Birder
If you confuse plovers with peeps or have ever despaired at sorting out all
of those long-legged and long-billed brown shorebirds, then sign up for this
introductory level shorebird class and learn how to navigate the muddle of
mud-probing shorebirds. Slides and information sheets on habitat, season of
occurrence, size, and overall shape of shorebirds will help you narrow the
choices to the one or two most likely species. From there the final ID is
within reach! During the field trip to Grays Harbor and Tokeland we will see
most of the common coastal shorebirds in their colorful breeding plumages.
Jim is a graduate of the Master Birder Program and has been birding in
Washington for over 20 years. Also a member of Rainier Audubon Society, Jim
wrote the bird sightings column for Rainier for 5 years, has taught classes
for both chapters and has led numerous field trips throughout the state.
Class: Thursday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Time: 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Location: NHS Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture
Field Trip: Saturday, May 3rd or Sunday, May 4th. Sign-up for the field
trip will occur on the first night of class. There may be only one field
trip day depending upon the number of participants.
Cost: $65 SAS members, $80 non-members
Limit: 25
The Art of Birding Series: Nature Writing
With Frances Wood, Master Birder
Want to jump-start or refine your nature writing skills? This three-session
class will focus on improving your powers of observation, creating colorful
and sensuous descriptions of nature, and exploring effective techniques for
keeping a nature journal and taking field notes.
Frances has published over 100 articles on birds and nature and writes a
syndicated column on bird watching for local newspapers.
Class: Mondays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2003
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, Classroom-B1
Cost: $60.00 SAS members, $75.00 nonmembers.
Limit: 12

Ornithology for the Birder Series
Bird Migration: A Perilous and Marvelous Journey
With Marilyn Ramenofsky, Ph.D. , Laboratory of Environmental Endocrinology
and Migration, University of Washington
Have you wondered why birds migrate, or where they go, or how they navigate
over great distances and manage their fuel loads en route? Or maybe you have
asked such questions as what do birds achieve by participating in these
incredible journeys and how do juveniles manage their first trip often
without the guidance of adults? If so, join us for two lectures on the whys
and hows of bird migration.
Class: Tuesdays, April 15 and 22, 2003
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: April 15: NHS Hall, Section A; April 22: Douglas Classroom, CUH
Cost: $35 SAS members, $50 non-members.
Limited to 40 participants.


The Owls of Washington State
With Andy Stepniewski
Few regions in North America harbor 15 species of owls, the number found in
Washington. Northern species inhabit the boreal habitats in the high
mountains, and temperate and southern species occupy lower elevations. In
this class, we will learn the basics of owl biology, and their habitats. We
will learn how to identify these elusive creatures, both by visual and vocal
techniques. An introduction to the conservation of owls will also be
discussed.
Andy is from Yakima and has studied the birds and natural history of that
area for over 30 years. He is author of Birds of Yakima County, Washington.
Class: Tuesday, April 15 2003
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
Cost: $40 SAS members, $55 non-members.
Limit: 40


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, 2003
Time: 7:00 - 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