Hi Tweeters -

The June 1 deadline to apply for Seattle Audubon Society's Master
Birder Class is almost here. If you've been on the fence, considering
whether or not to apply, now is the time to jump in.

I took the course last time it was offered and it was an excellent
experience -- I don't know of a better way (short of going back to
college) to add such depth to your birding experience. The course is
designed to systematically fill in all those gaps you've been meaning
to address.

Weekly lectures by Dr. Dennis Paulson, Director Emeritus of the
University of Puget Sound's Slater Museum focus on the life-cycle,
distribution and identification of the birds of Washington. A second
lecture each week is given by a revolving group of guest lecturers on
all manner of topics, from taxonomy to citizen science to birding by
ear. Homework and a number of field trips will help flesh out the
topics discussed in class.

Classes begin in September and continue until April 2008 (with a
holiday break).

While the class is not designed for beginning birders, it is assumed
that you want to learn a lot in the course so you don't need to be an
expert to apply. Applicants should be intermediate birders with a
background in classes and/or in-field birding. Acceptance into the
program is based on your completed application, results of a bird
identification slide quiz, and screening by the Master Birder
Committee.

The application is available at http://www.seattleaudubon.org ,
linked from the front page and also under the 'Education' tab. At the
website you can find more detailed information on the program not
covered here.

If you have any questions, check the above website or feel free to
contact me or MaryFrances Mathis at mf.mathisATverizon.net .

As mentioned at the top, applications are due next week on Friday,
June 1. They can be returned electronically or as hard-copies [at the
SAS Nature Shop]. Slide quizzes will be administered 6 times:
Thursday May 31st 7-8pm or 8-9pm; Saturday June 2nd 10-11am or
11-12noon; Wednesday June 6th 7-8pm or 8-9pm.

Best,

Matt Bartels
SAS Master Birder Committee
Seattle, WA
mattxyzATearthlink.net