Interpreting Bird Behavior — March 28, 2026

$45.00

Saturday, March 28, 2026

8:00am-12:00pm

Location:
Marrowstone Island

Instructor:
Scott Brinton

Birds are constantly communicating about what’s happening in the environment through behavior and vocalizations. You, too, can 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/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 reading: What The Robin Knows by Jon Young is a wonderful supplement to support your bird language journey.


Tuition:
$45

Ages:
18+

Saturday, March 28, 2026

8:00am-12:00pm

Location:
Marrowstone Island

Instructor:
Scott Brinton

Birds are constantly communicating about what’s happening in the environment through behavior and vocalizations. You, too, can 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/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 reading: What The Robin Knows by Jon Young is a wonderful supplement to support your bird language journey.


Tuition:
$45

Ages:
18+

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

 

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