Advanced Birding Class-Webinar: Waterfowl

Waterfowl can be some of the most beautiful—and confusing—birds to identify. Join Manatee County Audubon Society for this fun and educational two-part course that will sharpen your skills in identifying ducks and other waterfowl by their field marks, behaviors, and habitats.

Part 1: Zoom Webinar – Monday February 9 at 6pm

In this virtual class, we’ll break down the major waterfowl groups and help you understand their key traits and mannerisms. You’ll learn how to separate:

• Dabbling Ducks: Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler

• Bay Ducks (Aythya): Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked, Scaup

• Diving Ducks: Bufflehead, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck

• Sea Ducks: Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck

• Stiff-tailed Ducks: Including the distinctive Ruddy Duck

• Perching Ducks: Like the elegant Wood Duck

• Mergansers: Red-breasted, Common, and Hooded—built for fish!

Using eBird photos, interactive quizzes, and real-time practice, you’ll learn to recognize plumage variations, shape, posture, wing patterns, and behaviors on the water. We’ll also discuss seasonal presence, vocalizations, and habitat preferences to help you narrow down IDs quickly in the field.

Part 2: Guided Field Walk – Saturday February 14 8am Piney Robinson Preserve South or Perico Preserve

Take what you’ve learned and apply it in the field during a guided bird walk at a local wetland or coastal hotspot. Our expert leaders will help you practice waterfowl identification techniques and point out key traits in real time.

This course is ideal for birders looking to improve their winter waterfowl ID skills in preparation for peak viewing season.

Presenter 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 (will be available soon)

Link to the webinar will be provided to registered participants via email.

REGISTER HERE-

Advanced Birding Class Webinar: Waterfowl | Manatee County Audubon Society

*Deadline to sign up  5 days before virtual meeting. Max 18 students.