Birding for Beginners! in Greenough Park

Date: Tuesday, July 9
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at Greenough Park picnic shelter parking lot (the second one you come to on Monroe St.)

Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the U.S. It can be done anywhere – your backyard, local parks, cross country, or exotic locales. And identifying birds is a challenging and satisfying pastime – or, in the case of instructor Pat Jamieson, an overwhelming passion. With all the variety of birds, where do you begin? Join naturalist, birder, and retired National Bison Range ranger Pat Jamieson for a two-hour walk in Greenough Park, where we will learn how to use field guides, binoculars, and phone apps to identify birds. Best of all, we’ll be out ENJOYING birds! Once you learn to identify birds, you can become part of a growing number of citizen scientists who support conservation of our feathered friends.

Instructor: Pat Jamieson is a retired National Bison Range ranger. While there she taught people of all ages about the flora and fauna of the Bison Range. Pat continues to work with UM, MNHC, and other groups to lead bird programs and tours.

What to Bring:

• Clothes appropriate for changing weather conditions – layers, sun or shine, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Binoculars (optional, we have some to borrow)
• Bird field guide (optional, we have some to borrow)
• There are a few free apps from Cornell University that help with birding (Merlin) and with contributing to citizen science (eBird). You can download those on your phone. Pat will demonstrate how to use these if folks want to follow along (optional)

Cost: 

$30/$25 MNHC members. Some scholarships are available. Please call 406.327.0405 to inquire.