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Birds of the Smokies

May 8 - 10, 2009

What could be better than a weekend of birdwatching!  Discover the many bird species of the Southern Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Emphasis will be given to general natural history of each species, including but not limited to; distribution, associations, reproduction, vocalizations, status, conservation, research methods, etc.  Fieldtrips will take us to a variety of habitats, from low elevations to high, in search of these remarkable creatures

Goal:
To give the student an overview of the variety, distribution, management, and natural history of birds that inhabit the southern Appalachian Mountains.


Specific objectives of this course are:

1. To introduce the student to bird taxonomy and identification.

2. To introduce the student to the distribution and
habitat preferences of birds in this region.

3. To discuss the general natural history of birds in this region.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify taxonomic groups and many of the species within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2. Create a natural history report on a bird of their choice.

3. Identify major conservation concerns as they relate to birds.

Required Text:  Coming soon

Pre-class Homework: Coming soon

Schedule: (Download PDF here)

Friday, May 16th

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check-in and get settled

6:00 p.m. Supper

7:00 p.m. All Workshop Welcome and Introductions

7:30 p.m. Group Welcome & Introduction to Birds of the Smokies

Physical characteristics, nesting, flight, distribution, families, migration, equipment

8:30 p.m. The Naturalist’s Journal

A brief introduction to the importance of journal-keeping for a practicing naturalist followed by crafting your own journal.        

Saturday, May 17th  

6:00 a.m. Birder’s Breakfast and pack sack lunch

6:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Field Identification

Field trip to various areas of the park, including Cove Hardwood, and Spruce-Fir forest types. A van trip will take us to the highest reaches of the Smokies with multiple stops along the way. We’ll focus on bird identification using site and sound as well as connecting birds to habitat types and niche preferences.

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Break - Time to Relax!

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Bird Conservation – Classroom Discussion

Specialists vs. generalists, neotropical migrants, threats, etc.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. Resources and Review – Classroom Discussion

References, guides, buying binoculars, birding groups, catching the “birding bug”

8:00 p.m. Campfire Tunes and Tales

Join us around the campfire for a relaxing evening of great songs and stories.  Refreshments provided.

Sunday, May 18th  

5:30 a.m. Dawn Chorus

An early morning foray into the forest in search of the dawn chorus. This wonderful event happens every spring morning as each species of bird begins its day’s song at a particular moment in time. We’ll listen as the birds warm up and use our ears to better understand them.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast and pack sack lunch                     

8:45 a.m. - noon Birdwatching at Cades Cove

This field trip will focus on identification of the birds of field and forest edge.  We’ll discover new species and review a few old friends.  We will be in grassy fields and sunny areas.  Dress appropriately.        

1:00 p.m. Wrap-up, Evaluations, and Homework Assignments

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