See, hear and appreciate the behaviors of resident and seasonal migratory birds. This event is for novice and experienced birders alike in a shared, conversation cafe environment. Any and all adults who have an interest in bird watching and a facilitated walk are welcome. You'll enjoy two of Hickory's North Carolina Bird Trail locations where you'll be introduced to some of the good locations for bird watching.

You'll learn to :

• Recognize and identify bird "voices"
• Recognize habitat, feeding behavior, and physical features of birds encountered
• Practice proper birding etiquette in a multiple-use park environment
• Share what you know with others despite varying levels of knowledge

Workshop Leader

Jim Rogers is a biologist, a North Carolina naturalist, nature artist and photographer. He successfully nominated two parks in the City of Hickory into the North Carolina Birding Trail program. In addition to bird watching, additional interests include regional land use and transportation planning, alternative energies and sustainable living. He lives in Hickory with his wife, Nancy.

Workshop Date and Location

This field experience is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2009, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The group will meet at Geitner Park at 7:30 to begin with quick introductions, proper bikeway birding etiquette, and effective techniques for birding. The group will walk the bikeway at a leisurely pace to listen for and watch birds. As time allows, the group may travel to Glen C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park to visit the wetland raised walkway and wooded areas to look and listen for some different bird species.

Attendees should bring binoculars and a bird identification field guide, if owned. Comfortable walking shoes and clothing with subdued colors are also recommended.

To Register

Registration is open to adults of all ages by phone, mail, or online through September 23. Click a payment option below to print out a registration form for mailing, or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost is only $10 per person and is payable by credit card, check, or PayPal account. Payment is due at the time of registration.

NOTE: By your registration for this event, you idemnify and hold harmless Appalachian State University, Appalachian Center at Hickory and its representatives from any claims for personal illness or injury that might occur from participation in this program.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before September 23. After September 23, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If an event is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be given.

NOTE: This is an outdoor event. In the case of inclement weather, an alternate date will be chosen at the discretion of the workshop leader, or the event will be cancelled.