Birding Basics @ Hilltop Arboretum - Daytime Class (Spring 2026)

Have you ever seen a bird and wondered "what in the world" is that?!? And then you try to look it up and just get frustrated... If so, this class is for you! The class is 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. We'll talk about binoculars and field guides and how to choose and use them. We'll do lots of exercises and skillbuilding. And we'll talk about how to take your newfound skills into the field.

This class will consist of 4 lectures on a 4 sequential Mondays (March 2, 9, 16, 23) and then 4 field trips (weather permitting) on the following weekend with the entire class. Please plan to attend all 4 sessions to get the most out of the class. A daytime class with the same material is also being offered this year. Both classes will attend the same field trips.

- Class will be limited to 10 people

- Class will be held in the large meeting room at Hilltop. Enter Hilltop from Highland road no matter what your GPS tells you!

- Field trips will be scheduled for the weekends following the classes at various locations near Baton Rouge. I will have binoculars to loan for the bird walks.

For those that have taken the class before, I will be offering a field trip only option this time. The process will be to register for the class as usual to reserve your spot. I will reimburse you 50% of the tuition once the class starts. However, you can be bumped by a first time student. I'm doing this to try to fill all the spots and to offer a chance for repeat students to participate in the field trips.

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Host or Publisher Jane Patterson