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W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

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You are here: Home / Events & Programs / Field Ornithology

Field Ornithology

 Image of foilage covered lake with a flock of geese flying in the sky while a group observes with binoculars

Lecture Dates: Wednesdays April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2025
Time:  6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  
Field Trip Dates:  Saturdays April 12 and May 3, 2025 
Times:  8 a.m. to 11 a.m.    
 Audience:
Adults, children 14+  

 

JOIN US FOR FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 2025! This annual course is led by Lisa Duke, Sanctuary Grounds Manager, and Josh Haas from Hawks on the Wing. Discovering the fascinating world of birds has never been easier to attend with a variety of options for in-person or online lectures and in-person field trips.   

The Field Ornithology Course is a 5-session course for adults at all levels of birding and is open to the general public.  Wednesday evening lectures can be attended in-person or online from the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Auditorium and will include presentations from local experts on topics like migration, conservation, climate change.  For those attending lectures in-person,  the second half of the evening will consist of either a bird ID presentation or an outdoor excursion on the Sanctuary grounds to practice and develop identification skills using sight, sound, habitat and behavioral clues.  Saturday field trips will occur at a nearby birding destination and are a great opportunity for in-depth outdoor learning and education. Can’t join us in person?  Sign up for the online option to join us over Zoom for lectures!

 

 

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2025 Field Ornithology Course Schedule

Lecture DatesLecture TopicSpeakerIdentification Topic
April 2Welcome!
Birding Basics
Birding Apps

Lisa Duke and Josh HaasSanctuary birding hike, if time allows
April 9Avian Conservation Translocations: A case study in Red-cockaded WoodpeckersAlex LewanskiMichigan woodpeckers and other species that benefit from them
April 16Bird Flight AdaptationsLeah Knapp, D.V.M. Bird identification strategies with flight patterns
April 23Secrets of the Secretive Marsh BirdsAuriel Fournier, PhDMarsh Bird Identification
April 30Bird Song Identification Josh HaasSanctuary birding hike

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Wednesday Evening Lectures over ZoomWednesday Evening In-person LecturesWednesday Evening Bird HikesSaturday Field Trips
Full Coursexxx
In-person Lecturesxx
Online Lecturesx
Field Tripsx

COURSE FEES

Online Lectures OnlyIn-person Lectures OnlyField Trips OnlyFull Course (In-person Lectures & Field Trips)
Member fee$30$135$30$155
Non-member fee$45$155$45$190

Partial scholarships up to $75 are available based upon demonstrated need.  Apply via the registration link below.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration is due by March 26, 2025

Register Here

For questions concerning registration, please call (269) 671-2510 or email birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu

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UPCOMING EVENTS

  • May 01 Storybook Walk: Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward Learn More >
  • May 14 Birds and Coffee Online Chat: Bird Beaks Learn More >
  • May 31 Fishing for the Eagles Learn More >
  • view all
  • RECENT BLOG POSTS

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    A legacy of conservation; a commitment to sustainability.

    Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
    12685 East C Avenue
    Augusta, MI 49012
    Phone: (269) 671-2510 birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu

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