Subject: Upcoming classes at Seattle Audubon Society
Date: Sep 3 21:13:30 2003
From: Vicki King - vicki at kingdesign.net


There are still spaces available in the following two classes that
Seattle Audubon Society is sponsoring. Both begin next week. If
you're interested in enrolling, please call Seattle Audubon at 206
523-4483 between 10 AM and 4 PM daily and Saturday.

Ornithology for the Birder Series:
Classify that Bird! - Evolution and Taxonomy for the Birder.
With Alan Knue

Ever ask yourself?What is a "bird"? Are birds really descended from
dinosaurs? Why is the Northwestern Crow considered a full species,
whereas
the Red-shafted Flicker is not? Why do loons come first in my field
guide?

This course will cover the basics of bird evolution and taxonomy,
exploring
the avian family tree and applying what we know about bird
relationships to
listing and conservation. Topics will include different classification
systems, species concepts, origins of birds as a class, origin of
flight,
familial relationships, and the formation of species. Current research
in
paleontology and Systematics will be highlighted.

Alan J. Knue's interest in birds began before the age of 4, when he
tried
hatching bird eggs in his pants pockets. Mr. Knue studied zoology and
general biology at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin and worked
with
endangered species during the first few years of his professional life.
Although he no longer works in the biology field, Mr. Knue still pursues
his interest in natural history and ornithology during much of his free
time. He has traveled extensively around the US, through parts of
Europe,
and throughout most of eastern Australia, exploring local culture, fine
arts, and ecology. His major interests include Systematics and
evolution,
paleontology, seabird biology, corvid biology, biogeography, advanced
bird
identification, endangered species management and conservation, visual
arts, scientific illustration, and American Indian studies. Mr. Knue
currently holds a position as a manger of program operations at the
University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies,
which promotes technology and accessibility for people with
disabilities in
all aspects of living and well-being.

Class: Wednesdays, September 10th and 17th, 7:00-9:00PM
Location: CUH, Douglas Classroom
Cost: $40 members, $55 nonmembers
Limit: 40



Beginning Birding
with Brian Bell, SAS Master Birder

This class is an excellent choice for new birders (aged 15 and up),
birders
new to Seattle Audubon or the northwest, or for anyone interested in
improving their birding skills. This is an easy-going class consisting
of
four classroom sessions using slides, along with two field trips - one
half day, and one full day, all providing a comprehensive introduction
to
"bird watching". We will cover bird identification techniques, habitat
and
song, selection of equipment, basic references, birding etiquette and
ethics, and then apply what we have learned in the classroom to the
field.

Class: Fridays, September 12th and 26th, and October 3rd and 10th,
7:00-9:00PM.
Field trips: Saturday, September 13 (half day), and Saturday, October 11
(full day)
Location: CUH, Douglas Classroom
Cost: $130.00 members, $150.00 nonmembers
Limit: 25

Thank you.

Vicki King
Seattle
vicki at kingdesign.net