Discovering the Joy of Birding
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Spending time in nature is essential for our well-being and we are genetically inclined to prefer nature, having spent thousands of years of evolution before the development of modern cities. Humans have evolved with birds and their songs and seeing birds in nature makes us happy because when they are thriving, we are reassured that we can also thrive.
In north Texas, we are lucky in that we live within a major migration flyway and we have lots of opportunities to see unique migrating birds. We will discuss nearby locations excellent for birding and the best times to see migrating birds.
Birding is a social act and gateway to a deeper connection to nature. To be a birder is to engage with birds and people to create a shared experience of being present in the moment. Through birding, we find stillness and a connection between the natural world and each other. Birding can bring us a sense of awe and humility, greater self-awareness and a sense of attachment and responsibility as advocates for the natural world.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W12k0cdCQbqb6m3-77LsIA
Schedule:
- 6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
- 7:00 Introduction and Announcements
- 7:20 Featured Presentation
- 8:45 Adjournment
Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)
Or join us in south Dallas at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, Building S (Administrative offices), Room 1029. (Mountain View Campus map).
Note: It is best to enter the Mountain View campus from Duncanville Road; there is construction but you can park directly in front of the S building. Room 1029 is on the lower level, continue down past the administration areas and turn left once you see a Subway and go down short hallway.
Please bring snacks at 6:30 p.m. to share with others! (at both locations)
Green Jay (Cyanocoraxync as seen in south Texas)
Field Trip – Birding Opportunity, Sunday, March 10th at TRAC
Enjoy Birding at Trinity River Audubon Center on Sunday, March 10th, 6500 S Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217. Meet at 8:00 am in the Audubon Center lobby. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.
We will have a short talk and small group bird walks with tour leaders, Caleb Hinojos, Karen Carpenter, Nathan May, Natha Taylor and Reba Collins. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/FAJ3X
Speakers:
Karen Carpenter:
Karen’s love of birds and birding led her to pursue Master Naturalist designation in the NTMN class of 2023. She is passionate about bird conservation and outreach to create a safer world for the birds that she loves.
Natha Taylor:
Natha Taylor has been a NTMN since 2001, serving as president for the chapter in 2008-2009. Served as Chapter Historian/ Archivist, 2003-2017, producing State Conference award-winning scrapbooks from 2013-2017. Began Birding 101 in 2005 with 4 other birder enthusiasts from the class of 2001. Birding 101 has introduced over 300 people to the joys of birding.
Nathan May:
Nathan May is an educator at the Trinity River Audubon Center and a member of NTMN, class of 2023. Nathan has also worked with Texas Conservation Alliance leading bird collision surveys downtown for the Lights Out Dallas program. He’s a Blackland Prairie devotee through and through, but he must confess that it was a trip to the Gulf Coast Prairie that first set him on this path, introducing him to his “spark bird,” the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Nathan is excited to share in the thrills and excitement that birding in DFW provides.
Camera Roll: As usual, show up or tune in between 6:30 and 7 pm for an array of photos by TMNs & socialize with all.