Intro to Bird Language — October 12 and 13, 2024
Intro to Bird Language — October 12 and 13, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday, October 13, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Port Townsend area
Instructor:
Scott Brinton
with guest instructor Dave Rugh
Experience the art and science of bird language through this experiential course!
Learn the ancient skill of interpreting the voices and movements of birds! Begin to understand where the aerial and land predators are and tap into a deeper awareness of yourself and nature. When aware of the vocalizations and movements of songbirds, it’s possible to distinguish between the movement of predators such as coyotes, birds of prey, or even the neighborhood cat! Students will learn to decipher between primary and secondary alarms, and gain “invisibility routines” that lessen our own disturbance to view more wildlife.
This interactive class is sure to help you understand that a deeper awareness and connection to nature, that many have forgotten in these modern times, is possible — even if you live in a city.
Participation in this course will help you to:
Deepen your relationship to nature
Begin to recognize the songs and calls of some of our most common bird species
Understand the five voices of birds and the different shapes of alarm
Improve your tracking and pattern recognition skills
Hone your mapping and storytelling skills
Calm your nervous system & quiet your mind
Gain tools that will allow you to be more attentive to your surroundings and sensitive to your effect on other beings and wild nature
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden conversations happening all around us, this class offers something for everyone.
What to Bring:
footwear and layers for being outside — we will be moving a little and also sitting still for a time
small foam pad to sit on (or piece of tarp or lightweight chair)
snacks/lunch/water bottle
small notebook (Rite in the Rain might be useful, if you have it)
writing utensil
pack to carry everything
optional: binoculars and field guide
Recommended (not required!) reading: What The Robin Knows by Jon Young is a wonderful supplement to support your bird language journey.
Tuition:
$195
Ages:
18+
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Scott has over two decades of nature education experience. He has mentored hundreds of students in practical wilderness skills and nature awareness. He co-founded the Riekes Nature Studies Department in California, has taught Environmental Science for Peninsula College, and taught Islandwood’s graduate students in the Natural History and Ecology program. Most recently, Scott founded CedarRoot to help continue natural history and rural skills education.
Scott is passionate about applying ecological lessons discovered in nature to areas of regenerative design, sustainable development and agroecology. Education: B.A. in Agriculture and Alternative Energy, The Evergreen State College; M.A. in Natural History and Education, Prescott College. Certifications: Current Wilderness First Responder and Level 3 Track and Sign certificate trackercertification.com
Dave going eye-to-eye with a Gray Jay
Dave Rugh
Dave has been interested in wildlife biology throughout his life, including academic pursuits with a BS in Biology from Maryville College, TN, and a MSc in Zoology from the Ohio State Univ., plus some nonmatriculated courses. These led to a career via NOAA studying marine mammals all around Alaska. Birding has always been of keen interest. Dave is currently the co-chair of the local Natural History Society and is one of the facilitators of Jefferson Land Trust’s annual Natural History Course.