This is a relaxed introductory field course to the world of bird vocalizations. We will learn the difference between songs & calls as well as many helpful tips for learning how to recognize the vocalizations of our most common bird species. Much of our morning will be spent listening and watching at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, identifying each singer in the summer chorus. Birding and pace will be slow & easy. A field guide and notebook for may be useful.

A plethora of bird species call the North Carolina mountains 'home' during the spring and summer. It can be challenging enough learning to identify them all by sight, but learning to identify them by sound can be even more so. Breeding behaviors (such as singing) are generally at their peak in springtime, and with all the birds singing over top of one another, it can be overwhelming to pick each individual singer out! This introductory field course is timed in the summer, when many of the local birds have quieted down a bit, making for a more conducive learning environment.

We'll spend most of the morning listening at Beaver Lake, where we will hear a melodic collection of songs and calls of many species common to the mountains, and we will outline the general patterns of each species' song and the subtleties of call notes that will make 'birding by ear' much more approachable and fun. Learning bird songs can be daunting, but we will take it slow and focus on those species most commonly heard and seen around the lower elevations of WNC. If time permits we will head up to Craven Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway for some high elevation birds.

This Venture is perfect for those trying to get a start on learning bird songs or for those who might need a refresher course!