Birdsongs of Appalachia
A Five-Week Course in Birding by Ear
* Participants who don’t live close to Sylva, NC may choose to participate in the online and independent study portions only. See details below.
Course Details & Logistics
(Please read in full before completing registration)
What is the Cost?
This course is offered on a sliding scale with a suggested donation of $100 - $250*. Donating at the upper end of this sliding scale helps ensure these programs remain accessible to those with less financial means. If you only plan on participating in the online portions of the course, please feel free donate on the lower end of this scale or at whatever amount feels accessible.
*No one will be turned away for lack of funds- if you are really excited to learn about birds but can’t make a financial contribution that is perfectly fine! We especially encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, young people and other folks from marginalized communities to attend at whatever cost feels accessible. Wild Remembering would not be where we are today if not for the scholarships and financial support we have received from generous teachers and organizations.
Learn more about our philosophy of Gift Economy.
Who is this course for?
From beginners, to bird-curious, to full-fledged bird-nerds, the classes, field trips, and homework are all designed to be accessible and engaging for anyone-wherever you may be on your birding journey. As a participant in this course you will be invited to choose your own adventure and go at your own pace.
A very basic knowledge of common birds will be a helpful foundation but complete newbies can pick that up along the way. No musical background is necessary- we will start with the basics and build our vocabularies as we hone our attention to the musical qualities of birdsongs!
Where & when will the course take place?
ONLINE CLASSES
Five consecutive Wednesday evenings on Zoom, April 10 Ma7 8 from 6:30-8:00pm.
These sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.
BIRDING FIELD TRIPS*
4/13, 4/20, 4/28, 5/4, & 5/11 from 8am-12pm (all Saturdays except Sunday 4/28).
The locations will be within 30 minute drive from Sylva, NC. Possible locations include Kituwah Fields, Monteith Park, Lake Junaluska, Judacullah Rock, and Jackson County Greenway. Carpools will be available.
On May 11, rather than a standard field trip, participants will be invited to take part in the World Migratory Bird Festival in Sylva which Wild Remembering will be organizing in partnership with Balsam Mountain Trust, Mainspring Conservation, & the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
*If you would like to take the course but are unable to attend the Saturday birding field trips that is totally fine, just please note this on the registration form. You can still get a lot out of this course by practicing these skills on your own.
What if I don’t live near Sylva, NC?
This course focuses on the birds of Southern Appalachia. If you live in the region but don’t want to commute to the birding field trips, you are still welcome to participate in the online portions of the course. We’d also recommend you find a local birding group or birding buddy near you to practice your new skills.
While those outside of the greater Southern Appalachian region might still benefit from this course, we would also recommend checking out Bird Mentor for excellent distance-learning birding courses that cater to folks from all around the US and around the world.
Will there be homework?
In addition to the online classes and birding field trips, participants will be invited to complete optional weekly field assignments and study challenges. To complete these and to get the most out of the course, participants will be encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes per day at their “birding sit spot”.
Beyond that it’s totally up to you! Some folks might choose to spend every waking moment observing, journaling, and completing homework activites while others might be contented with just a few minutes gazing at the titmice on their feeder while they sip coffee. You can be the master of your own birding destiny!
What will I need?
Binoculars - To get the most out of this course you will need a pair of binoculars. 8x42 binoculars are the most commonly used optics for birding and a decent pair can be bought new for as little as $120*. We recommend Vortex Crossfire, Celestron Nature DX, or Nikon Prostaff P7 as affordable entry-level optics.
*If the cost of purchasing your own binoculars would prohibit you from participating in this course please let us know in the comments of the registration form- we have a limited number of loaner binoculars available.
Birding Field Guide and Apps- This will be an invaluable resource throughout your birding journey and will help you complete the optional field assignments for this course. We recommend either the Peterson’s Guide or Sibley’s Guide to Eastern Birds -both are great and very affordable. Additionally, the birding apps Merlin, Audubon Bird Guide, and eBird are all awesome and free (but won’t replace a good hard-copy field guide).
A notebook and pencil - These will be needed to take notes and make sketches to complete the optional field assignments.
Appropriate clothing and footwear- Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Hiking shoes, warm layers and rain jackets are highly recommended even if the forecast looks clear and warm.
Water and Snacks- Bring whatever you need to stay hydrated and sustained on our field trips. Hot tea or coffee flasks are lovely on cool mornings
About Your Teacher
Topher has been a leader of outdoor and experiential education programs for over 15 years. An adventurer at heart, he’s lugged his binoculars across mountain glaciers, sandstone canyons, and temperate rainforests in search of strange and beautiful birds. Drawing from his background in conservation biology, mindfulness education, and nature-based mentoring, he brings a reverence for all life and a deep respect for the more-than-human world to his teaching. He is deeply indebted to his teachers at University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab, Astounding Earth, Bird Mentor, Wilderness Awareness School, and Cornell Bird Academy for guiding him along his path to becoming a bona-fide bird nerd. His favorite birding spot is his backyard on Caney Fork and his favorite bird is whichever one he’s looking at right now. He is super stoked to share his love of birds with passionate and curious folks in his home community.