Flock online for birding webinars

The Seven Capes Bird Alliance is presenting a two-part webinar series aimed at everyone from fully fledged bird nerds to those who are just bird-curious.

“Birding the Oregon Coast,” presented in partnership with Kalmiopsis Audubon Society and the Oregon Birding Association, will cover how to identify birds, where to look for them, and some of the best times of year to go birding.

The series begins “Birds of Surf and Sand,” presented by Roy Lowe from 6 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 15. This presentation will focus on the coast’s abundant sea and shorebirds. Some of these species can be observed year-round, some pass through only during their long spring and fall migrations, while still others come here to spend the winter. During the spring and summer, seabirds grace the shoreline where they breed on rocks, islands and headlands, providing great views of birds found only offshore the rest of the year. As well as being treated to Lowe’s incredible bird photography, webinar participants will learn how best to observe these notable species, including where and when to look for them.

Lowe is a resident of Waldport, and an avid wildlife photographer. He was employed with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 37 years and, at the time of his retirement in 2015, was the refuge manager of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In retirement he has worked with the Paulson Institute and World Wildlife Fund–Hong Kong to assist with training of coastal wetland managers in the People’s Republic of China and has been monitoring the return of Western Snowy Plovers to Lincoln County following their 39-year absence.

The series will conclude with “Birds of Forest and Field,” presented by Dawn Harris from 6 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 5.

Harris will guide participants in recognizing bird species commonly found in the forests, grassy areas and backyards of the Oregon Coast. This webinar will cover essential tips for identification, including distinctive markings, sounds and behaviors of songbirds, hummingbirds, raptors and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences, making this not only a learning session, but also a community gathering for bird lovers.

Harris serves as the visitor services manager for nine National Wildlife Refuges in Oregon and Washington. She has worked in the field of natural resource conservation for 34 years and for the US Fish and Wildlife Service for 26 years. Her career began in the swamps of North Carolina before moving to the rocky shores of Oregon. She has a BSc in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida and a MSc Wildlife Biology from Oregon State University.

Attendance for both webinars is free, but pre-registration is required. Register now at www.sevencapes.org/birdingtheoregoncoast.