Hello Tweets:
Here are the new spring classes as well as some of our current classes that
still have space available. To register for a class, please call the Nature
Shop at 206.523.4483.

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

NEW CLASSES
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

CLASSES WITH SPACE STILL AVAILABLE
Gulls of the Puget Sound
With Kevin Aanerud, Chairperson of the Washington Bird Records Committee
This course will offer an introduction to the complexities of gull
identification. We will begin with studying the regularly occurring species
and learn when and where to find some of the less common species. Class
members will likely develop an appreciation for
the fact that some individual gulls can easily be misidentified because of
the variables in molt, plumage wear, hybridization, and physical structure.
Other topics will include gull behavior and habitat preferences. The class
will practice observing gulls in detail and writing field notes.
Kevin has studied birds in Washington for over thirty years and is a
seasoned fieldtrip leader.
Class: Wednesdays, February 12th and 19th , 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, Classroom B1
Field Trip: Saturday, February 15th , 8:00 a.m. - 3:00p.m. Rain date is
Saturday, February 22nd
Cost: $65 SAS members, $80 nonmembers
Class limited to 18 participants


Washington's Woodpeckers
with Brian Bell, Master Birder
Woodpeckers are found in almost all habitats in Washington from sea level to
boreal forests to semiarid eastern Washington valleys. We will examine the
twelve species that are present in our state, discuss their habitat
requirements, become acquainted with vocalizations and drumming patterns,
examine seasonal distribution and learn identification tips. There will be a
half day trip in Western Washington and a full day trip, later this spring
to Eastern Washington, to see and experience these fascinating birds in the
field.
Class: Thursday, February 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, Classroom B1
Field Trips: Saturday, February 15, 7:30 a.m.-12 noon and Saturday April 5,
7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $65 SAS members; $80 non-members
Class limited to 18 participants.



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.


Birds of the Puget Sound Area
A Four Week Field Course for Birders
with Brian Bell, Master Birder
Learn by doing! In this four-part course you will learn the basic principles
of birding. We'll cover birding etiquette, equipment, field guides, as well
as identification techniques for successful birding and then put them into
practice in the field. This class is an excellent choice for both
experienced as well as beginning birders. Early spring is a great time to
bird in Seattle and the Puget Sound with some wintering birds still present
and the chance of finding early returning migrants. Come join this class and
have some fun.
Class/field trips: Sundays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 8:00 a.m. - noon
Session 1: Class meets at the SAS Nature Shop followed by a field trip to
the Montlake Fill (Union Bay Natural Area).
Session 2: Field trip to Discovery Park.
Session 3: Field trip to Spencer Island
Session 4: Field trip to be determined
Cost: $60 SAS members, $75 non-members
Class limited to 15 participants.