1. Tonight’s Agenda 6:30-6:40 Welcome! • Introductions • Announcements: Make sure Josh or Russ takes a look at your binoculars, see Kara to borrow a pair 6:40-7:10 The Art of Birding Part 1 with Russ Schipper 7:10-7:30 The Art of Birding Part 2 with Kara Haas 7:30-7:40 Break – Green Snacks - borrow binoculars – see Kara 7:40-8:20 The Art of Birding Part 2 continued 8:25-8:30 Closure Reminder: “homework” assignment Saturday Field trips; Meet at Sanctuary at 7:45 am!

2. Science X The Art of Birding Russ Schipper, Audubon Society of Kalamazoo and Kara Haas, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary May 1, 2009 Field Trip

3. Why Learn About Birds? • Visible and conspicuous • Ubiquitous • Great Diversity • Contribute Data • Pure Enjoyment

4. Group Birding Etiquette Be courteous to others: • Stay with the group • Avoid walking in front of others using binoculars • Avoid pointing binoculars at homes/ windows • Help others to find the bird.

5. Birding Ethics • Act in a way that puts welfare of birds first • Act in a way that does not harm environment • Tread lightly, stay on trails, etc. • Respect law and rights of others

6. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Tools: Good Observation Skills • Watch the bird . . . don’t fiddle with your field guide • Practice seeing details • Look for patterns or conspicuous features or behaviors

7. The Tools: Field Guides There has never been a better selection

8. Tool: Field Guides Which guide is right for me? • Features • Pros and Cons

9. Tools: Binoculars • Which one is right for me? • All that tiresome terminology • 7x35 • Porro prism • Diopter adjustment • Etc. etc. etc. • Using Binoculars . . . a word about Spotting Scopes