Birdsongs of Appalachia
Learn to identify birds by sound!
April 6 - May 2, 2026
CHOOSE THE LEARNING PATH THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU:
REMOTE LEARNING PATH
(best for folks outside of WNC or those who can’t attend Saturday field trips)
4x weekly online classes covering the Four Essential Skills of Bird Identification
4x self-study homework modules
Personalized guidance to achieve your birding goals
Lifetime access to course materials
SLIDING SCALE $100 - $200
IN-PERSON LEARNING PATH
(best for folks in Jackson County NC and surrounding areas)
4x weekly field trips near Sylva, NC
4x weekly online classes covering the 8 Qualities of Birdsongs
4x self-study homework modules
Personalized guidance to achieve your birding goals
Lifetime access to course materials
Birders of the Tuckaseegee T-shirt
SLIDING SCALE $200 - $400
ONLINE CLASSES:
Monday Evenings: April 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm
*online classes will be recorded and available on-demand for those who can’t attend live
FIELD TRIPS:
Saturday Mornings: April 11, 18, 25 & May 2 from 8am - 11am
*field trips will take place at birding hotspots within 30 min drive from Sylva, NC
Course Details & Logistics
(Please read in full before completing registration)
What is the cost?
The course is offered on a sliding scale with a suggested donation range for each learning path:
Remote Learning Path (online only): $100-$200 suggested
In-Person Learning Path (online + field trips): $200 - $400 suggested
Donating at the upper end of this sliding scale helps ensure these programs remain accessible to those with less financial means.
We are committed to making birding and nature connection accessible to everyone regardless of economic means. Scholarships are available for those unable to pay the full cost of the program. See details on registration form.
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
Four live sessions on Monday Evenings: April 6, 13, 20, & 27 (6:30 - 8:00pm) .
These sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.
BIRDING FIELD TRIPS*
Four consecutive Saturday Mornings: April 11, 18, 25, & May 2 (8:00 - 11:00am).
The locations will be within 30 minute drive from Sylva, NC. Possible locations include Kituwah Fields, Monteith Park, Lake Junaluska, Judacullah Rock, and WCU Picnic Area. Carpools will be available.
ONLINE HOMEWORK MODULES
Four optional self-study homework modules including additional videos, helpful resources, field assignments and study challenges will be posted each week and available on-demand for your convenience.
What if I don’t live near Sylva, NC?
This course focuses on the birds and habitats of Southern Appalachia and would be mostly relevant to folks living throughout the Southeastern US. If you live in the region but can’t attend the Saturday field trips, you are encouraged to register for the Remote Learning Path. We’d also recommend you find a local birding group or birding buddy near you to practice your new skills.
While those living outside of the greater Southern Appalachian region will still benefit from learning to discern the 8 Qualities of Birdsongs, some of the birds we focus on may not be native to your area.
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. 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.