Free beginning bird watching workshop

Kern Valley Sun

The Friends of the Kern River Preserve will hold a free Beginning Bird Watching workshop on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

Come learn how to become a bird watcher from Alison Sheehey, Outreach Director at the Audubon Kern River Preserve.

Birds are one of the most fascinating groups in the animal kingdom. Magical jewels that fill our lives with movement and color.

This will be an interactive workshop that will be in three parts.

• Binocular use (please bring you binoculars if you have them... we have some to share if you don’t own a pair). Many people find it frustrating to see through binoculars. There are four simple yet critical steps to make it a joyous experience. You will be taken through these steps.

• Watching birds and seeing field marks are two different things. Many of us learn to see the whole bird and put a name on it. That works but takes a long time. Learn how to observe different parts of birds to create the whole picture and then use a field guide to find the bird.

• After learning how to use a field guide, take a walk with an expert, learn birding etiquette and get help identifying any species seen.

For those interested, after a short lunch break there will be a driving tour around Isabella Reservoir to see more species.

Monthly events are free and appropriate for ages 5 and up.