Manatee County Audubon Society - Bird ID Class
Bird Identification Classes from Beginner to Advanced
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to tackle advanced identification challenges, Manatee Audubon’s Bird ID classes give you the skills, confidence, and community you need to grow as a birder. Our beginner sessions help new birders understand binocular basics, key field marks, and how to approach birding with curiosity and ease. Intermediate and advanced classes build on that foundation with deeper instruction on behavior, habitat clues, seasonal plumage, and tricky species groups—taught by knowledgeable local instructors who know Florida’s birds inside and out.
Each class blends clear instruction with hands‑on practice, ensuring you learn not just what to look for, but how to see more. Plus, our guided field trips offer real‑world experience in Manatee County’s parks, preserves, and coastal hotspots, where you can apply your new skills alongside supportive Audubon leaders.
Whether your goal is to identify backyard birds or confidently tackle shorebirds, warblers, and raptors, our classes help you become a more capable, connected, and joyful birder.
NEW Beginner Bird ID Class
(New Birders Only)
New to birding? This class is designed just for you. Join Manatee Audubon instructor Kathy Doddridge for a welcoming, hands‑on introduction to the basics of birdwatching. Over two classroom sessions on January 12 and 14, 2027, you’ll learn how to choose and use binoculars, understand essential bird identification features, and build confidence spotting common Florida species.
After the classroom instruction, you’ll put your new skills into practice during a fun and supportive beginner field trip on January 16, 2027. Kathy will guide you through real‑world birding techniques, helping you apply what you’ve learned and enjoy your first steps into the world of birdwatching.
Perfect for brand‑new birders—no experience required.
Please don’t register for this class if you have taken our other wonderful birdwatching classes.
This class includes a 1-year annual membership to Manatee County Audubon Society.
2027 Bird Identification Course
*Must have taken beginning bird ID class to register for this class. Members only.
Become a member and enjoy our 2027 Bird ID Class.
Living in Florida is a natural way to become a “birder” and enjoy an activity that can be shared with the family. You’ll learn from master birders who love to share tips on how to identify different types of birds, habits and their habitats. All four classes & field trips are included in this course.
In Person Classroom Training Location TBD
6:00pm – 7:45pm
- Monday January 18th, 2027
- Wednesday January 20th, 2027
- Tuesday January 26th, 2027
- Thursday January 28th, 2027
Field Trips
- Saturday January 23rd, 2027
- Saturday January 30th, 2027
Field trip locations and instructions will be sent to you via email once you register.
During these field trips you’ll be in the field with some of the best bird spotters in Manatee County, PLUS you’ll visit different habitats so you’ll see a wide variety of species in some of the best birding locations. You’ll get practice spotting birds, and applying the species identification tips. Identifying birds is a skill that will improve more & more as you continue your fun while birding.
Registration:
Cost:
- $40 per seat for Manatee Audubon members who have already paid their 2027 membership dues.
Because of the popularity of this course, we highly recommend securing your seat by signing up for the course early.
Questions should be directed to Manatee Audubon at our email manateeaudubon@gmail.com.