See also Shorebirds of the Upper Texas Coast, taught by Glenn Olsen at the Glasscock School of Continuing Education at Rice University, Feb. 25-Mar. 25
General Information
Fee: The fee for each course is $150 for HAS members ($175 for non-members).
Location: Classroom sessions are held from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in the administration building. Map.
Registration: Registration is now open. To register, please use the :
secure online registration form or contact the HAS office, 713-932-1639.
Introduction to Ornithology: June 25 - July 23, 2009
The first in a series of classes to study the remarkable physiology of birds that make them such amazing creatures of flight, migration, and beauty.
Some, but not all, of the topics to be discussed in this first class include the theories on the origin of birds, a brief history of ornithology in North America, Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Nomenclature, the different types of feathers, their structure and purpose as well as the names and placement of feather groupings on a bird's body.
While the material of this class is not "field identification" type information, much of the information will prove valuable "in the field" for a broader perspective of birds and a deeper understanding of birds and their behavior.
Class Dates: June 25, 2009 July 2, 2009 July 9, 2009 July 16, 2009 July 23, 2009
Hawk Identification and Migration: August 20 - September 12, 2009
Hawk Migration is an amazing opportunity to see large numbers and many species of these beautiful birds. Learn how and why hawks migrate.
Learn the key elements that enable you to identify hawks in flight.
Classes: August 20, 2009 September 10, 2009
Field Trips: August 22, 2009 September 12, 2009
Beginning Birding: October 22 - November 7, 2009
Many people watch birds in their backyards and enjoy these beautiful creatures. Add to your enjoyment by learning to identify them. In this class learn the basics of how to identify birds by family grouping and by individual species. The principles of identification learned will apply to all birds not just those in our backyards.
Classes: October 22, 2009 November 5, 2009
Field Trips: October 24, 2009 November 7, 2009
Sparrow Identification: January 21 - February 6, 2010
Secretive and challenging to identify are what make this group of birds Fun. The Upper Texas Coast is a great place to see wintering sparrows. Learn the key principles of identification that will enable you to separate the 17 different species that are possible.
Classes: January 21, 2010 February 4, 2010
Field Trips: January 23, 2010 February 6, 2010
Spring Warbler Identification: March 23 - April 10, 2010
People come from all over the world to HAS High Island Sanctuary to experience the migration and arrival of the "jewels" of the bird world. Learn about the remarkable migration journey of these small and beautiful birds. Learn the principles to identify many different species of warblers.
Classes: March 23, 2010 April 6, 2010
Field Trips: March 27, 2010 April 11, 2010
Breeding Birds of the Upper Texas Coast: May 4 - May 22, 2010
Learn which birds breed in our area and how to identify them. Learn about the breeding and nesting behavior as well as the different habitat needs of the different species. On the field trips we will observe parents feeding and caring for their chicks.
Classes: May 4, 2010 May 18, 2010
Field Trips: May 8, 2010 May 22, 2010
About the Instructor
Glenn Olsen has had a passionate interest in nature, especially birds, since early childhood. He also offers birding, landscaping, and nature related classes through Rice University's Continuing Studies Department that are co-sponsored by HAS. As a member of the Houston Audubon Society, he has served as Vice-President of Education. Since 1993, he has been actively involved with the Native Plant Society of Texas and has served as State President. Glenn has taught HAS classes for two years. Glenn also leads private and group tours. Contact him at h.glenn.olsen@gmail.com or 281-345-4151.
