This course examines the important role of stopover areas in the conservation of neotropical migrant birds and introduces the techniques used to identify the common families of birds found in the vicinity of the Desert Studies Center.

This is a moderate activity - 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 2 units.

On Tuesday evening, your instructor will host a zoom lecture from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. This presentation will examine the important role of stopover areas in the conservation of migrant birds. The Zoom lecture will prepare participants for what they will be learning in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the instructor questions in preparation for the weekend field outing from Friday through Sunday. During the weekend outing, participants will travel by car to various migrant bird traps near Death Valley including Baker, Shoshone, Tecopa, and China Ranch. Sunday’s activities center around the Desert Studies Center where more than 175 bird species have already been recorded. This field study is based at the Desert Studies Center (California State University) located within the Preserve at Soda Springs (Zzyzx), about a three-hour drive from Joshua Tree. The course fee includes two nights’ lodging (Friday and Saturday nights) and food for the weekend. Desert Studies Center will provide the food for Saturday morning, lunch, and dinner and on Sunday morning and lunch before the class ends.

All required items participants need to bring for the course: sleeping bag or blanket and sheets and a pillow, flashlight, sturdy walking/hiking shoes, toiletries and towel, sunscreen, glasses, a hat, refillable water container, appropriate clothing for the weather. Suggested item: a cooler with ice to keep in your dorm room. Optional: binoculars, bird guide, National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Jon Dunn

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 2 units towards a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate.

Photo credit: Chris Andersen, Desert Institute Volunteer