Introductory Bird Identification Workshop - Grande Prairie

Introductory Bird Identification Workshop - Grande Prairie

Leaders:  Chuck Priestley, P. Biol., Lisa Takats Priestley, P. Biol.

Description:

Both novice and experienced birders will benefit from this workshop which focuses on bird identification. Participants will learn basic bird identification techniques for a wide variety of species found in southern Alberta and the new age apps for bird ID, documentation, and records.

Dates and times:

Friday June 14:  Classroom session from 4:00 p.m. -  7:00 p.m.

Saturday June 15:  Field Trip  -

6:00: Meet at Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre, 11633 100 St

6:30: Bear Creek Grande Prairie parking/staging area at 6501-100St (near baseball diamonds)

10:00: Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

13:00: Drive roads in area around SK Island Park and stop along roads at ponds and points of interest

15:00: Farewell at Pomeroy Hotel

Locations: 

Classroom session will be held at Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre, 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3Y4.

Field Trip will be provided when it becomes available.

Cost:

$135 member

$185 non-member    

Classroom Session: Dinner will be provided. Pen and notebook required.  A series of slides will be used to introduce bird identification.

CCP:  This course qualifies ASPB members to earn 12 Professional Development Hours towards their CCP requirements.

Field Trip:

Food: Please bring your own snacks, lunch, and fluids for the field trip. There will NOT be opportunities to purchase food throughout the day.                                     

What to Wear: We will be going on the field trip rain or shine so bring clothes that can protect you from rain, sun, and wind. We will be walking on trails for several kilometres at each location so make sure your footwear is appropriate for dealing with puddles, wet grass, mud, etc. Rubber boots are not necessary.

What to Bring: Everyone should bring binoculars and a notebook. If you have access to a spotting scope and a field guide, please bring them too. We recommend bringing sunscreen and bug repellent.

Lead Presenter Biography:

Chuck Priestley: Chuck is a Professional Biologist with 20 years of academic and professional work experience.  His interest in ecosystem management lead to professional opportunities throughout western Canada where he was involved with a variety of wildlife research projects, longterm monitoring programs, and habitat enhancement initiatives.  Since 2005 Chuck has co-owned STRIX Ecological Consulting and currently serves as a Director for the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists and Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society and as a Public-At-Large Director for the Alberta Conservation Association.

Lisa Takats Priestley: Lisa is a wildlife biologist with 25 years of academic and professional work experience. She has worked with all levels of government, non-government organizations, industry, academic (university and college), and environmental consulting companies. Lisa is a Principal for STRIX Ecological Consulting Ltd. and has extensive experience with birds (including species at risk) in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.  Lisa also took the lead in developing owl survey guidelines for North America and has banded landbirds for over 20 years.  

Please note: The ASPB reserves the right to cancel this workshop if we do not have sufficient people signed up by 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 6. A full refund will be returned.