For many people sparrows are difficult to locate, difficult to see, and all look so much alike that they are commonly referred to as LBJ's (little brown jobs) or LBB's (little brown birds).
In this class we will find the sparrows in their natural winter habitats, learn how to approach and observe them, and learn to recognize the differences that separate the twenty species that are possible.
One of the rewards for learning to see these challenging birds will be the recognition of the simple but elegant beauty of the different species. If I were to paint warblers, I would want the vibrant colors of oil paints. But if I were to paint sparrows, I would choose watercolors to express the softness, subtlety and nuances of the browns, grays, and whites of these intriguing and uniquely attractive birds.
Caution: Upon completion of the class they will no longer be LBJ's !!
This class will consist of two informal classroom meetings and two field trips designed to discover the joy and challenge of the identification of wintering sparrows. We will also discuss and look for other species of birds that may be found in habitats along with sparrows, such as Towhees, Kestrels, Pipits, wintering wrens, brown thrashers, horned larks, and many others.
On the field trips we will learn about identification techniques for the sparrows and other birds that we locate. The field trips are designed to be active learning opportunities that provide immediate practice and experience in the skills needed for the identification of sparrows. We will explore the habitat requirements and adaptation of different species; discuss various identification techniques, bird behavior, migration and other interesting aspects of wintering birds on the Upper Texas Coast.
Class Meetings in the Library at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 - 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM and Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM.
Field trips are from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM, weather permitting. In some cases, we may want to bird longer, but that is strictly voluntary. There is no penalty if someone needs to leave early, except for the experience and practice they will have missed. The field trips are designed to be active learning opportunities that provide immediate practice and experience in the skills needed for the identification of sparrows and other birds. It will be fun and there is much to learn!!
Field Trip Dates: Saturday, February 7, 2009 and Saturday, February 14, 2009.
About the Instructor
Glenn Olsen has had a passionate interest in nature, especially birds, since early childhood. He has been involved with organized birding and conservation efforts in Texas since 1988. In addition to bird identification, he has a special interest—and continues his studies—in the relationships of plants, birds, butterflies, and other insects. He also offers birding and nature 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. He leads private birding and nature tours for groups and individuals. Glenn supports the conservation of habitat and educational programs about birds through memberships in the American Birding Association, Houston Audubon Society, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Texas Ornithological Society, Houston Ornithology Group, and the Native Plant Society of Texas among others.
Registration
Cost: $150.00 for HAS members and $175.00 for non-members, payable to Houston Audubon Society. Registration is now open. To register, please use the secure online registration form:
Sparrow Identification Form or contact Andrea Ritchie, telephone 713-932-1639. For more information on the classes, please contact Glenn Olsen.
