Observing Birds: Appearance, Sounds, and Behaviors

When observing birds, there is often more than meets the eye. Whether you enjoy photographing, drawing, or painting birds, or you just enjoy the company of birds, it is helpful to understand birds’ overall natural histories. This includes their appearance, behaviors, calls, materials they use for their nests, habitats they spend time in, flight patterns, and how they interact with their environment.

In this virtual program, Audubon Bird Education Specialist Ryan MacLean will bring you outside to observe and listen for birds. He will also show you specimens such as bird nests to gain a greater contextual understanding of them. We will also explain how you can contribute to the conservation of many of our bird species by participating in seasonal bird counts while you observe them.

Not only can we gain a greater understanding and appreciation of these birds by unlocking the secrets to their lives, but we can also help create a better future for their existence. This program is a special offering in collaboration with the Fairfield University Art Museum, as part of their Birds of the Northeast: Gulls to Great Auks exhibit and program offerings from January 22 – May 14, 2021.