Upcoming Classes:
Beginner and Intermediate Birding Class
Kevin O’Malley, a naturalist and birder, will teach birding basics to beginner and intermediate birders starting in March.
He has led education walks since 2004 and heads the South Sound Nature School. He will be assisted by Barbara Petersen, an avid birder who regularly leads field trips for the Rainier Audubon Society.
The classes will be held at a key birding area within the Eastside Audubon’s area — Lake Sammamish State Park.
No birding experience is necessary. Binoculars are recommended but not required. Classes will be limited to about 10 people. They will be geared towards adults but families are welcome. Children under xx years are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost
$35 per person
Sorry, no refunds will be available.
About the Instructors
Kevin O’Malley grew up exploring Lake Erie’s lands and waters, which inspired his decision to pursue a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toledo. He became a Naturalist-in-Residence for Juneau schools, and he expanded his skills through the Wilderness Awareness School ‘s (WAS) nine-month Immersion Program and Kamana Four Certification. Kevin has worked as a freelance naturalist, served as In-School Programs Specialist at Seward Park Audubon and taught in the WAS Adult Tracking Intensive Program. A Cybertracker Level 3 Wildlife Tracker, he coordinates the Ellensburg Tracking Club and leads South Sound Nature School, teaching birding field classes statewide and serving as Education Chair of Juneau Audubon for three years.
Barbara Petersen is a retired teacher who taught for thirty years in Highline School District's Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, where she enjoyed working with students from preschool through high school as well as their parents. She helps with a monthly bird census for the City of Kent at the Green River Natural Resources Area and has birded across the U.S., as well as many other South American and African countries, including the Peruvian Amazon, Costa Rica, Botswana, and Brazil.
Master Merlin Bird ID & eBird:
Essential Tools for Birders
Learn from expert birders Kevin O’Malley and Barbara Petersen on how to use Merlin and eBird, indispensable tools for birders at all skill levels.
Merlin Bird ID allows birders to identify birds through sound recordings and photos. O’Malley will guide students in quickly identifying birds by sight and sound using easy-to-follow guides, detailed photos, and audio recordings. Merlin's AI-driven sound recognition makes birding accessible for beginners and enhances the experience for seasoned enthusiasts.
Petersen will introduce students to eBird, an innovative tool for tracking and recording bird sightings. eBird allows birders to log their observations in real time, creating personalized checklists while contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts. Participants learn to explore interactive maps, check recent sightings, and join local birding communities.
This special class session will provide hands-on training and practical instruction, ensuring students gain confidence using both applications effectively.
Whether you're new to birding or looking to sharpen your skills, mastering Merlin and eBird offers a rewarding gateway to nature exploration. By the end of the session, participants can confidently identify local bird species, contribute to important scientific research, and connect with a vibrant community of birdwatchers.
Cost
$45 per person.
Sorry, refunds are not available.