Introduction to Birding Course March 19 – April 27, Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City
- Six weekly evening classes
- Six weekend field trips for beginning birders
- Meet and learn with other new birders
- Free for ICBC members, or $5 per class for non-members (membership is only $10.00/year so join up!)
- Attend all evening classes or select desired topics
- Handouts and refreshments at each class
- Check spring calendar for more details.
The Iowa City Bird Club and the Johnson County Conservation Department are offers a 6-week Introduction to Birding Course. There will be six Tuesday evening sessions along with six weekend field trips to area birding hot spots. Location for the classes and field trips are listed below and in the informational handout.
Tuesday evening sessions are $5 for adults and free for children accompanied by an adult. Iowa City Bird Club members receive free admission – a one-year membership is $15 per family or $10 for students for a print subscription, or $10 for an email subscription. Participants may attend all sessions or pick one or more to attend. Classes can hold 20, and advanced registration is requested – please call (319) 430-0315 by noon of the Tuesday session. Handouts and refreshments will be provided.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring binoculars to all field trips; if you don’t have a pair let us know in advance and loaners can be arranged. If you have a spotting scope, you are welcome to bring it. Club members will have several spotting scopes available to share on those field trips requiring one.
For more information, contact Karen Disbrow of the Iowa City Bird Club at (319) 430-0315
Discover Iowa’s Birds: Intro to Birding
Watch a one-hour zoom presentation by Linda Rudolph, hosted by the University of Iowa Sciences Library.
Classes and Field Trips
Exact dates of April field trips will be announced later.
For more information, contact Karen Disbrow of the Iowa City Bird Club at (319) 430-0315.
Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. BASICS OF BIRDING I. This will include field identification of birds, field guides, and equipment every birder needs, or might someday need.
Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m. Field Trip to CONE MARSH. Located about 25 miles SE of Iowa City, Cone Marsh is an excellent place to view migrating ducks, geese, Sandhill Cranes, and other water birds. Wear boots for walking in wet areas, and bring a spotting scope if you have one. Meet at the Fareway parking lot, 2765 Commerce Dr.
Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m. BASICS OF BIRDING II, including e-Bird, apps, and birdsong ID.
Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. Field Trip to KENT PARK. We will explore the trails in this park looking for migrating songbirds and resident woodland birds. Meet at the Kent Park Conservation Education Center.
Tuesday, April 2, 7 p.m. WHERE TO BIRD IN JOHNSON COUNTY. Well-known, lesser-known, and secret places to watch birds and study nature in and around Johnson County
Saturday or Sunday, April 6 or 7, 8 a.m. Field Trip to LAKE MACBRIDE for water birds and other early spring migrants. We’ll stop at various points around the lake. Meet at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area, at the far west end of the parking lot near the restrooms and splash pad.
Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. BACKYARD AND FEEDER BIRDS. This session will cover the common birds found in our backyards during the year, and what types of feeders and food to use to attract them.
Saturday or Sunday, April 13 or 14, 8 a.m. Field Trip to HAWKEYE WILDLIFE AREA near North Liberty. We expect to see ducks, geese, American White Pelicans, and other early spring migrants. Wear boots for walking in wet areas, and bring a spotting scope if you have one. Meet at the Swan Lake parking lot.
Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. BIRDS OF TERRY TRUEBLOOD AND WATERWORKS PARK IN IOWA CITY. Learn the variety of birds that are found throughout the year at these nearby parks.
Saturday or Sunday. April 20 or 21, 8 a.m. Field Trip to WATERWORKS PRAIRIE PARK. Visit this Iowa City Park with great trails for woodland, prairie, and wetland species. Meet at Waterworks Prairie Park.
Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m. WARBLER IDENTIFICATION & REVIEW. Warblers are among our most colorful birds, but identification can be a challenge. Compare and contrast similar species.
Saturday or Sunday, April 27 or 28, 8 a.m. Field Trip to HICKORY HILL PARK. This park is an eastern Iowa hot spot for viewing migrant warblers and other songbirds. Meet at Hickory Hill Park, at the parking lot at the end of Conklin Lane, off N Dodge St.