Hanging out in heavy cover, flitting from bush to bush, sparrows can be a challenge to see, let alone identify. It may be tempting to write all these birds off as “little brown birds.” But when you take a closer look, you see that each sparrow species has their own characteristics and subtle beauty. This class will look at all the regularly occurring sparrows, showing you the patterns, shapes, and behaviors that make each one unique.

John Rakestraw worked as a naturalist in Kansas and Ohio before settling in Oregon. He is the author of Birding Oregon, has written for birding and nature magazines, and leads classes and field trips. He blogs at ethicalbirder.com and shares photos on Instagram @rakestrawbirder.

This class will be geared to the experienced birder. 

The class will be on Zoom. GEAS volunteers will lead two sparrow birding trips open only to class registrants. On January 27 Terry Rich and Dondi Black will lead a field trip to Hulls Gulch. On January 28 Pat Mc Grane and Ken Miracle will lead a trip to Ted Trueblood WMA. One field trip per registrant. The field trip sign-up link will be provided after you register for the class. All registrants will be provided a link to the class recording.

This class is open to everyone.

Registration fee:

• Non-members - $30

• GEAS current (as of date of registration) members - $20

• GEAS members who have donated $250 or more get a complimentary class. Contact Liz if you'd like to take advantage of your special perc.

REGISTER

You need to log into the Constituent Login Portal to access the discount or complimentary rates. You'll find it at the VERY bottom of www.goldeneagleaudubon.org.

Photo: American Tree Sparrow by Pat McGrane