Become a Backyard Birder

Pine Grosbeak

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country, and a great activity for all ages and walks of life. Those interested in learning more about it can avail themselves of two different workshops at The Ridges Sanctuary this month.

On Nov. 29 at 1 pm, beginning birders can pick up some birding basics at Backyard Birding 101. This fun and easy workshop will walk participants through everything they need to know to get started with bird watching. Topics include binoculars, field guides, basic bird identification tips, and where and how to find birds.

Field Guides & Reference Materials will be held on Dec. 3 at 1 pm. Field guides are indispensable when identifying and studying birds in the field. The final workshop in the Countdown to the Christmas Bird Count series will cover why a field guide is a critical birding tool, how to interpret guides, and how to use them when searching for a bird.

Both workshops meet at The Ridges Marshall Cabin, 8288 Cty. Q in Baileys Harbor and include practice hikes following the classroom instruction. Workshop fees are $10/adult for Ridges members, $13/adult for the general public, and $5 for children under 18. For more information visit ridgessanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.