Community members interested in mastering the art of bird watching have the opportunity to do so.
The Audubon Society and the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation are hosting bird watching workshops in Woodbridge, according to a release.
“Birding is a hobby that anyone can do,” Laura McDonald, Audubon Society of Northern Virginia’s program manager, stated in a release. “This is really something that you can start young, but a lot of people start when they retire.”
The $20 classes, which will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, seek to introduce attendees to bird watching.
The workshops will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on February 22 and March 15. Bird walks will take place on February 24 and March 17 between 8 a.m. and Noon.
Participants will learn how to identify waterfowl that make the county their home in the winter, such as the Mallard, Canvasback and Bufflehead.
Some waterfowl that are spotted are a bit rare.
“We do have one of the largest populations of tundra swans that overwinter in our area in Northern Virginia. For a highly urban area, that’s great,” McDonald said.
U.S. Forest Service Migratory Species Coordinator Greg Butcher is leading the workshop. Butcher suggests that participants bring cell phone apps or field guides.
“Binoculars are helpful for the Saturday field trip, but we have some extra pairs to loan out,” Butcher said in a release. “Field guides are good – especially Sibley and National Geographic – but smartphone apps are even better – Audubon is free, Sibley and National Geographic aren’t, but they are very good.”
Butcher also advised attendees bring a snack and dress accordingly.
Those interested in participating in the classes can register online. The February 22 workshop’s activity number is 109101 VB, and the activity number for the March 15 class is 109101 VC. Space is limited.
Participants should also make sure that no schedule changes have been made by visiting the Department of Parks and Recreations website or calling Veteran’s Park at 703-491-2183.
