Do you want to build your bird identification skills? Are you interested in learning more about the birds of spring and summer in Vermont? Do you love birds?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this virtual course may be perfect for you! Over a period of 7-weeks (4/10 to 5/26) you will learn the in-depth tips, tricks, and tactics to help you identify over 180 species of Vermont's breeding bird species. Each week we will explore a different habitat type found around the state of Vermont and the birds that can be found there.

Here's how it will work:

Following the start of the course on Monday April 10th, you will receive access to a weekly pre-recorded lecture (~90 minutes long) discussing that week's set of bird species. This lecture can be watched at your leisure throughout the week and will be accessible to you throughout, and for 60-days after, the course. You will learn a bit about where each species can be found, what their common vocalizations are, and what features and behaviors you should look for to help you identify that bird in the field. When necessary, we will dive into the fine details and keys to separating tricky similar species apart from one another. Each week will feature supplemental activities, identification quizzes, and interactive discussions with other course participants to enrich and support your learning experience. The course instructor will be available to field your questions via online messaging and during a weekly office hour session on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM during the course time.

At the conclusion of the course, two in-person guided bird walk opportunities will be offered to course participants to put your new-learned skills to use! Dates and locations TBD (one will be located in northern VT and the other more towards the southern portion of the state). 

Course pricing:

Full cost ticket: $150

Scholarships available! Scholarship tickets have a $15 deposit to hold your spot in the course, we will then get in contact with you to determine a cost that works for you.

About the Instructor:

Jacob Crawford recently graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and is currently serving as the Community Science and Chapter Engagement AmeriCorps member with Audubon Vermont. Jacob is an expert birder who has over four years of intensive birding experience including two summers of conducting bird surveys around the state. Jacob is excited to share his knowledge, passion, and expertise surrounding all things bird-related with others and is delighted to be teaching this course.