We are getting really excited to host this two day workshop on the island on the Weekend of October 27th. There are still two openings in the class– it’s an ideal way to learn about the island birds. The details of the class are listed below– to register, do not contact me: email Sara or call her at (803) 609-4778. If you are an island resident, you can just roll out of bed and over to class at the Huyler House, where we’ll have breakfast waiting and lunch delivered. It promises to be a great weekend: from Friday night cocktails to classes Saturday and Sunday, to a lowcountry boil and then dessert and an art show. If you need accommodations, email judy@deweesrentals.com– we are running a special on housing for this event!
Palmetto Pro Birders
We have a few more spaces for Fall 2012 modules,
and are announcing new modules for Spring 2013!
Register Online Today!
The goal of the Palmetto Pro Birder Program is to expose motivated citizens to the diversity of avifauna in the Palmetto State and, by that exposure, build an understanding of the importance of conserving native habitats to maintain or restore the state’s avian diversity. We envision building a core of SCWF Citizen Scientists who are equipped with field ornithology skills to be competent in identifying birds by sight, sound and behavior in the field. These citizen scientists will be ambassadors for conservation and potential members and allies of SCWF and its long-standing agenda to conserve the state’s wildlife, habitats and conservation heritage.
Several modules are held each year, with different instructors, at various locations around the state. Each module will include a classroom portion which will focus on the basics of bird biology, identification, habitats, and conservation, as well as field work.
At the end of each module, students will:
•have learned the “tricks of the trade” for identifying the common species, as well as some of the rarer species in SC
•be able to identify by sight and /or sound 30-50 bird species – learn new birds in each module!
•understand the roles of Citizen Science in protecting birds and habitat
•be better able to plan bird-friendly landscapes that attract and retain a higher diversity of avifauna
To become a Certified Pro Birder, you will be required to attend four SCWF training modules. Participants can register for four modules at once to ensure that the space is held, or pick and choose sessions based on date or location. Each module will be appropriate for beginners, and include basics of bird identification. Each class will also include varying species, due to location and time of year, to interest those attending multiple modules.
When: The modules can be completed in any order – you can start at any time with the next upcoming module if there is space. Each module includes a Saturday session from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and a Sunday session from 7:00 am until noon.
Upcoming Palmetto Pro Birder Modules:
October 27-28, 2012
Dewees Island, Charleston
Instructor: Drew Lanham
November 10-11, 2012
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Instructor: Austin Jenkins
December 29-30, 2012
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Instructor: Drew Lanham
March 23-24, 2013
Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia
Instructor: Drew Lanham
May 11-12, 2013
Kalmia Gardens, Hartsville
Instructor: Josh Arrants
May 18-19, 2013
Congaree National Park
Instructor: Drew Lanham
More modules will be planned for summer and fall 2013. See the current list of open modules and learn more about our instructors on our website at: http://scwf.org/index.php/events/bird-workshop
Cost: $150 per module. Participants will pack a lunch, and bring their own materials (suggested items below). We will provide recommendations for nearby lodging and meals upon request.
Suggested Materials:
•National Geographic Guide to Eastern Birds
•Binoculars (although each module will include information on the types of optics to buy, so don’t buy new binoculars before your first module.)
More Information:
Palmetto Pro Birder Website
Pro Birder Online Registration
SC Wildlife Federation website
Questions?
Contact: Sara Green
Email: sara@scwf.org
Phone: (803) 609-4778
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
215 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29205 ~ (803) 256-0670 ~ www.scwf.org
The mission of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation is to advocate for wildlife, habitat, and
the environment, educate citizens in the conservation ethic, and support outdoor traditions. SCWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizens’ conservation organization governed by an elected
Board of Directors. Although affiliated with National Wildlife Federation, SCWF receives its support directly through its donors. Funds raised are used in South Carolina.
Invest in our state’s future, invest in SCWF. From planned giving to annual support, we appreciate your generous tax-deductible donations. Please join us!
