Topics in Field ID: A Detail Oriented Approach to Gizz November 6, 2010

Whether you are just getting started observing birds, or you have been birding awhile but would like to develop your expertise, these programs are for you. Programs in this series are designed to give you tools to gain confidence finding and identifying birds on your own. Programs will be paced so that everyone will have plenty of time to see the birds and work through the identification process. We'll practice a simple, logical approach to field identification, discuss tips for making the most of your time in the field, and introduce you to the wealth of resources available to birders. - - Experienced birders often make confident identifications even after only a fleeting glance at a bird. How? Decisions are based on "gizz", or the general impression a bird presents via size, shape, behavior, plumage pattern and other clues. In this class, we will look at identification details first, and then work on generalizing the details into the big picture, helping you to become comfortable with "gizz". Field guides, slides, and up-close looks at birds being banded will provide our details, while a myriad of fall migrants that take advantage of our farm fields will provide the "gizz". The lecture Making the Most of Your Field Guide is a useful (but not required) prerequisite. - - Open to anyone age 16 or older. Registration is required. Call 781-259-2200 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=1695-DFP10FA1 for more information.