Manatee County Audubon Society - Advanced Classes
Shorebirds Advanced ID Class 2027
Advanced Shorebird ID Class: Zoom Workshop + Guided Field Walk Sharpen your shorebird identification skills with Manatee Audubon’s new advanced learning experience designed for birders ready to take the next step. This two‑part program begins with an in‑depth Zoom presentation covering tricky field marks, seasonal plumage changes, behavior cues, and habitat clues that help distinguish Florida’s most challenging shorebird species.
After the virtual session, participants will put their new knowledge into practice during a guided bird walk at one of Manatee County’s premier coastal hotspots. With support from our experienced Manatee Audubon leader, you’ll refine your skills in real time, observe key ID features in the field, and gain confidence identifying shorebirds under a variety of conditions.
Perfect for intermediate to advanced birders looking to elevate their expertise and enjoy a hands‑on learning experience with our local coastal species.
Two-part birding class:
Part 1: Zoom presentation on Wednesday, February 3, 2027, at 6 p.m., featuring a 1–2 hour slideshow and discussion.
Part 2: A follow-up bird walk will take place on Saturday, February 6th at 7:30 a.m. at Piney Point
Registration is $20 per person and required in advance at manateeaudubon.org/shop. The Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants.
Deadline to register: 5 days before the virtual class. Maximum: 18 participants.
Instructor: Kathy Doddridge
Gulls & Terns Advanced ID Class 2027
Gulls and terns can be some of the most challenging birds to identify—but also some of the most rewarding once you know what to look for! Join Manatee County Audubon Society for this two-part course that will help you build confidence in distinguishing these coastal species by plumage, size, shape, behavior, and seasonal variation.
Part 1: Zoom Webinar – Tuesday, February 23,2027, (6:00–8:00 PM)
In this interactive webinar, you’ll learn:
How to distinguish winter gulls like Ring-billed, Herring, Great Black-backed, and Lesser Black-backed
Identification of terns by size, bill shape, flight style, and breeding/non-breeding plumage, including Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, Caspian, and Least Tern
Overview of rarities like Franklin’s Gull or Black Tern and how to spot them
Use of eBird photos, side-by-side comparisons, and quizzes to sharpen your visual skills
You’ll come away with practical tips on how to confidently identify these birds in the field—no more skipping gulls on your checklist!
Part 2: Field Trip – Saturday, February 27,2027, 8:00 am Whitney Beach
Put your new ID skills to the test during a guided field trip to a local hotspot where gulls and terns gather. Our leaders will help you apply your knowledge in real time and point out subtle ID differences you may not have noticed before.
This course is great for intermediate birders looking to crack the code on these often overlooked but fascinating species.
Instructor: Kathy Doddridge
1-2 hours slide-show presentation and discussion with possible follow-up field trip.
$20 per person registration is required go to manateeaudubon.org/shop to sign up for the class
Link to the webinar will be provided to registered participants via email.
*Deadline to sign up 5 days before virtual meeting. Max 18 students.
Warblers Advanced ID Class 2027
Spring migration means warblers—and lots of them! This course from the Manatee County Audubon Society is designed to help you make sense of those fast-moving, tree-hopping beauties. Through a dynamic webinar, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to identify both familiar and confusing warblers by sight, sound, and behavior.
Zoom Webinar – Tuesday, April 6th, 2027, at 6pm, Field Trip Saturday April 10th, 2027 (Felts Audubon Preserve or Leffis Key)
In this interactive evening session, we’ll cover:
A quick overview of the 51 warbler species found in the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on species that migrate through or winter in Florida.
ID strategies for both common and challenging species—like distinguishing Tennessee from Orange-crowned, or Blackpoll from Bay-breasted.
How to group similar-looking warblers (e.g. Northern vs. Louisiana Waterthrush) and tease them apart in the field.
Tips for separating warblers from vireos, such as the Tennessee Warbler vs. Red-eyed Vireo.
Use of eBird photos, quizzes, and audience participation to reinforce learning in real-time.
Discussion of migration timing, fallout conditions, and what to expect locally between mid-April and mid-May.
We’ll spotlight warblers like:
Common: Yellow, Northern Parula, Palm, Prairie, Prothonotary
Tricky: Cape May, Magnolia, Black-throated Green & Blue, Chestnut-sided, Hooded
Rare Gems: Blackburnian, Cerulean, Golden-winged, Connecticut
Additional resources shared will include:
Cornell Lab videos and ID courses
The Warbler Guide App
Regional bar charts from Pranty’s Birder’s Guide to Florida
Presenter Kathy Doddridge
1-2 hours slide-show presentation and discussion
Link to the webinar will be provided to registered participants via email.
*Deadline to sign up 5 days before virtual meeting.
$20 per person registration