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Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers will have an opportunity to enhance their birdwatching skills this spring through an upcoming course offered by Stanly Community College.
Running from April 11 to May 10, Birds of Stanly County and Beyond introduces bird identification, anatomy, behavior and ecology, focusing on species that are either residents or seasonal migrants of Stanly County and surrounding areas.
Lectures will occur on Fridays at the Stanly County YMCA, while field study will occur on Saturdays at designated locations. Participants will explore local habitats, learn to take field notes, and sharpen their bird identification skills.
Scheduled field visits include:
• April 12 – SCC’s Albemarle Campus.
• April 17 or 18 – Juneberry Ridge.
• April 26 – City Lake Park.
• May 3 – Morrow Mountain State Park.
• May 10 – Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
The course will culminate in participation in the Global Big Day (https://ebird.org/globalbigday) on May 10, an international birdwatching event that coincides with World Migratory Bird Day (https://www.migratorybirdday.org/).
This final activity will allow students to apply their newfound skills while contributing to global citizen science efforts.
Participants should be prepared for outdoor learning in various weather conditions. Field sessions will only be postponed in cases of severe weather, such as lightning, tornadoes or flooding.
By the end of the program, students will:
• Identify key avian anatomical features and behaviors used in bird identification.
• Understand how birds are built for flight and their adaptations.
• Learn how to record field observations that contribute to citizen science.
• Explore bird migration, breeding, and foraging behaviors.
• Gain insight into habitat preferences and their importance in conservation.
• Share their passion for birdwatching with others.
For more information or to register, visit www.stanly.edu or contact Bryan Sharp at 704-991-0309.