Birding for Beginners

Age 18 & Up
Fri Apr 7-May 19
8:30-10:00am

Birding in North America is a multi-billion dollar generating activity that immerses the birder in natural environments along with areas closer to home. Northwest Ohio is a world-wide hotspot for migration of annual migrants and these amazing birds often go unnoticed by the average person. Join Chris Gajewicz, professional naturalist and long-time birder, as we explore the birds common and not-so-common to the Village of Ottawa Hills. This active program will take the participant to areas in and around the Village, to learn the basics of birding and introduce them to the fascinating life histories of the birds of the Village, along with the visitors that are just stopping by.

Please note: there will be a introductory meeting prior to the first class date. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30pm in the Ottawa Hills Elementary School Community room.

The April 5th meeting will be an opportunity to meet the guide and the other participants. The meeting will focus on birding basics which will include discussions regarding optics, field guides and phone apps, field ID marks on birds and basic ID, and geolocation of different species at different times during the year. PLEASE BRING YOUR FIELD GUIDES AND BINOCULARS TO THIS MEETING.

Participants should have:

- weather dependent clothing
- footwear for wet walking
- binoculars
- field guide for birds
- water bottle
- snacks, if desired
- insect repellant
- sunscreen
- bandaids
- any necessary medication

We will be birding regardless of weather UNLESS the National Weather Service issues any “watches” or “warnings”. If there is thunder and lightning we will not meet but if it’s only rain, consider the class to be a go. Rain gear and proper footwear are a must. Waterproof shoes or “Wellies” are highly recommended as we will be going off trail in many cases. This class will sometimes take place on uneven terrain and will require walking some distance, although not at a rapid pace. Using trekking poles is recommended for anyone who feels uneasy about walking in a natural area.

No experience necessary! This class is designed for beginners or people who want to hone their birding skills along with novices. The instructor will make every attempt to work with each participant based on their varying skills.

Class size: minimum 4 / maximum 20

Instructor: Chris Gajewicz

Former Natural Resources and Garden Park Coordinator for the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department

Location: Various Locations in/around the Village (details will be given at intro meeting)

Max Class Size

20

Spots Remaining

11
  • Friday, April 7, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, April 14, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, April 21, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, April 28, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, May 5, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, May 12, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, May 19, 2023 at 8:30am - 10:00am