Explore and learn about the oases in and around the Anza-Borrego Desert, home to a surprisingly wide variety of birds!

This is a moderate activity and a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate class — less than 5 miles of walking, multiple hours outdoors in the elements.

Kurt Leuschner, M.S., Wildlife Ecology, is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert. Leuschner's specialties include ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He teaches natural history courses for the Bureau of Land Management, UCR Extension, the Desert Institute, the Living Desert, California State Parks, Riverside County Parks, and many other conservation organizations.

This is a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate class worth 1.5 units.

This two-day weekend field class explores the oases in and around the Anza-Borrego Desert, home to a surprisingly wide variety of bird species. This habitat also provides the perfect resting place for migrants such as warblers, flycatchers, grosbeaks, sparrows, hawks, and other tired travelers on their way south for the winter. After a Zoom lecture on Tuesday night, the class spends Saturday and Sunday in the field, studying migrant and resident bird species. Participants will learn about conservation, ecology, natural history, and special adaptations to the harsh desert environment. Participants must make their own weekend accommodations; meals and lodging are not included.

All required items participants need to bring for your course: Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full-day outing; food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace); close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots (no sandals, not even hiking sandals); sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days; warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!); daypack to carry food, binoculars, water, and any personal items you need for the day.

Recommended for this course (but not required):

Bird Guide: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Jon Dunn
Merlin Bird ID app for your phone (free)
Additional optional reading materials:
- Introduction to California Birdlife by Jules Evens & Ian Tait (UC Press)
- Sibley's Birding Basics by David Sibley

Desert Institute offers some classes for credit through UC Riverside Extension. If you complete 12 units of our 400-level classes, you will earn a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate! If you take this class, you will earn 1.5 units toward a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate. Learn more on our website: joshuatree.org/desert-institute

Photo credit: Chris Andersen, Desert Institute Volunteer