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BIRDING
FOR BEGINNERS

Want to learn more about birding? Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, for a fun-filled and informative morning exploring this enjoyable hobby. We’ll talk about where to go, what to take, which birds are likely to be seen at which time, how to identify birds and how to help birds with conservation techniques. Birding is gaining in popularity—there are many apps now available to assist you, which we’ll review. This class will touch on habitat, identification, behavior, and diet of the birds you are likely to see in our area, and equipment that can aid in your enjoyment of this hobby. Class begins inside and continues into the Garden to spot any birds that happen to be visiting. Bring binoculars if you have them.

We believe that all adults in our community should have access to plant-based, nature-focused learning opportunities. We offer several pricing tiers so you can register at the amount you’re able to pay. Thank you for your contribution, which helps cover the costs for this educational opportunity. If you wish to support, please select the circled checkmark under the word Donate, and then select your contribution amount.

Sustainer: $30

Supporter: $20

Contributor: $10

Attendee: $0

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Now!

Date:
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Event Details

Barb and Buz Sawyer

Don’t miss the Great Backyard Bird Count prior to this class on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm! Bird watchers of all ages will be at the Garden counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are.

About the Instructors

Barb and Buz Sawyer were both born in Maine, met and married in Massachusetts. Both are lifelong birdwatchers. Buz began birdwatching in Maine, in the summer of 1963, as a way to keep out of mischief! Barb began birdwatching around the same year, also in Maine, but not for behavioral issues…! Audubon members since 1985, when they moved to Texas, they both began participating in the Christmas Bird Count in 1986. Buz has participated in the Hopewell Christmas Bird Count since their move to Virginia in 2000. Both have been Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden volunteers since 2005, shortly after becoming Hanover Master Gardeners, and have volunteered in the Children’s Garden as well as in other areas since then. Buz has managed the Lewis Ginter Bluebird Trail since 2013, and has been a Virginia Bluebird Society member since 2017. Buz retired from DuPont in 2011 after a 38 year career as an Electrical Engineer. Barb retired from her quilt and fabric design business shortly thereafter.