Education | Conservation | Advocacy

Manatee County Audubon Society - Bird ID Class

Red-shouldered Hawk photo by Rob Car

Bird ID Classes

Attend MCAS ‘experienced and entertaining team as they discuss the art and science of birdwatching. Learn about bird identification, choosing and using binoculars and field guides, and much more.

Instruction will take place in class or on Google Meets to include 2 full day field trips to the best birding hotspots in the area.

  • Learn to develop a practiced eye and ear.
  • Meet new friends and change the way you spend time outdoors
  • Learn which birds live in key birding hotspots… and why they chose those habitats.


Instructors:

Kathy Doddridge

Mike & Nancy Barnes

Eastern Bluebird photo by Kathy Doddridge

2025 Bird Identification Course

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.

Class sessions will be held in-person and via Google Meets. Classroom sessions will be held at Gettel Toyota of Lakewood 6:30pm-8:00pm. Here are the following 2025 session dates:

Classroom training Gettel Toyota of Lakewood 6:30pm – 8:00 pm

  • Monday January 13th, 2025
  • Wednesday January 15th, 2025
  • Monday January 20th, 2025
  • Wednesday January 22nd, 2025

 

Field Trips

  • Saturday January 18th, 2025
  • Saturday January 25th, 2025

 

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 2025 membership dues.
  • $65 for non-members (which includes your 2025 Manatee Audubon membership dues and 1 seat).

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.