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When asked if I would be interested in teaching a three-week class for the Exchange, I surprised the committee by suggesting a topic outside my usual realm of expertise.
Although I have spent my professional life writing about the arts, presenting the arts, and teaching the arts, I am also a birder. Why? Because I am a seeker of beauty, a lifelong learner, an outdoors enthusiast, a nature lover, and a collector. Maybe you are too.
Whether you are considering taking up birding or just want to learn more about these flying creatures you see every day, this course will teach you everything you need to know about our fascinating fine-feathered friends.
“On the Birding Trail,” meets Wednesdays, September 11 – 25 from 10 am – 12 pm, at the Boulder JCC. Cost is $35. Click here to register.
- The first session focuses on bird identification as we learn to differentiate the stunning variety of birds all around us, from resident birds to migrating visitors.
- The second session takes a deeper dive into the birds commonly seen in the Boulder area, from hawks to hummingbirds, and songbirds to shore birds.
- The final session is about resources, including books and apps, local birding spots and birding groups, backyard birding tips, and binoculars. The third session also features a special guest presentation on bird photography by Bruce Henderson.
Here are some of the burning birding questions we will address:
How do you identify a bird?
How light is a feather?
Why do birds lay eggs?
Where do birds get their names?
Do birds mate for life?
Why do birds sing and what are they saying?
Do birds love their offspring?
Why are some birds brightly colored while others are drab?
Are birds really “bird brains?”
Why are 96 million Americans self-described birders?
What is the difference between birding and bird watching?
Why do some birds migrate thousands of miles while others hang out in my backyard year-round?
Is there really a Blue-footed Booby?
Which birds are nicest?
What is the best free birding app?
How can I attract birds to my yard?
Where are the best places to go birding?
Can I get Blue Jays to come when I call?
What is Kathryn’s favorite bird?
Do these binoculars make me look like a nerd?
Kathryn Bernheimer is the founding director of the Boulder Jewish Film Festival and loves nothing more than sharing her passion for world cinema. Upon retiring as the cultural arts director of the Boulder JCC in 2019, she picked up a pair of binoculars and quickly fell down the birding rabbit hole. She is eager to share all that she has discovered about the magical beauty of birds.
