In the South, permanent residents like the Northern cardinal, mockingbird, blue jay, Carolina chickadee and wrens are already getting their nests ready this month. These birds are poking around in thick foliage for possible nest sites, so if someone typically prune trees and shrubs in early spring, waiting a few weeks will avoid ruining a potential nesting spot.
A pile of dead leaves and twigs might seem messy, but to birds it’s a gold mine for food, shelter and building materials, so it’s important to leave leaves or stick piles in the yard.
Beginning birdwatching class
WAITING ON TIME March 2, 9, 16 and 23, LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge
Four weekly sessions, with field trips on following weekends. $50.
8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. March 3, 10, 17 and 24, Coquille Park, 13505 La. 1085, Covington
Class includes lecture and bird walk at the same location Cost is $50.
The classes are taught by Jane Patterson, current president and education chair for Baton Rouge Audubon Society. This class will cover the basics needed to get into birdwatching, and binoculars and field guides and how to choose and use them. There will be lots of exercises and skillbuilding. Also, a talk about how to take these newfound skills into the field.
NOTE Those having taken this class previously are welcome to take it again. Beginning in the spring, there will be a discounted “field trips only” option for those who have previously taken the class. In order to reserve a spot, sign up as a class member, and a 50% refund will be given once registered at eventbrite.com.
Plan to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the class. WAITING FOR EXPLANATIONThere will be an afternoon class and an evening class. Both classes will attend the same field trips.
Things to remember:
Class will be limited to 10 people.Class will be held in the large meeting room at Hilltop. Enter Hilltop from Highland Road.Field trips will be scheduled for the weekends following the classes at various locations near Baton Rouge. There will be binoculars to borrow for the bird walks.
Classes will also be available through the LSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Camellia City chapter. One must be an OLLI member to register. To sign up, visit https://ce.lsu.edu/olli/#olli-explore-courses.
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