We have all admired the voices of our birds in the spring, but how often have you wondered who that voice belongs to? Join this Experience Algonquin Workshop to demystify the beautiful chorus of Algonquin Park’s varied birdlife. Spend the first few hours learning birdsong theory with Lev Frid, an international birding tour leader and Algonquin Park Naturalist. Then discover the techniques of placing a name to the bird song, comparing similar songsters, and using today’s advanced technology to assist in making an identification. For the rest of the workshop use your newfound skills to decipher the beautiful dusk chorus as the sun sets in Algonquin’s hardwoods, with a focus on all four of Algonquin’s spotted thrushes. An optional Saturday evening excursion will focus on night-singers and owls. On Sunday morning we’ll be in the field, bright and early, to enjoy the dawn chorus – this time in northern coniferous habitat, where we’ll be serenaded by warbler species and have the potential to observe and hear Algonquin Park’s northern specialty birds. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the ability to confidently identify most common bird song from two distinct habitat types in Algonquin Park and have the skills necessary to identify many more! No prior birding experience required. Binocular and a bird identification guide are recommended. Binoculars are also available on a no-cost loan basis from The Friends of Algonquin Park, please inquire for details.
Maximum 10 participants. This workshop is designed for adults, but keen youth with a supervising and participating adult are welcome.
ABOUT LEV FRID
Lev Frid has worked as a Naturalist in Algonquin Park for the past six years, leading a variety of programs for the public and private groups. During winter, Lev migrates south with the birds and leads birdwatching excursions throughout the Latin American tropics. He has lived part-time in Costa Rica and Ecuador, and has led excursions to a variety of other locales through his company, Boreal Nature Tours. One of his favourite birding activities is listening to the voices of birds flying over at night during fall migration. Though he has been birding in several countries, Algonquin Park is still his favourite place to look for birds. “The blend of northern and southern forest cover and the lack of human development makes Algonquin Park a great place to study birds. In addition, you never know what might show up, or where!
HOW TO REGISTER
Pre-registration required. To register for this workshop, or for more information, contact Elva at The Friends of Algonquin Park at (613) 637-2828 ext 236 by May 22, 2015. When you call to register, please have the following items ready: a contact phone number and e-mail address plus a Visa or MasterCard number. The cost for this workshop is $50.00 plus HST for members of The Friends of Algonquin Park. Non-members pay $70.00 plus HST for the workshop and a one-year individual membership. The workshop includes a Park permit, expert instruction with Lev Frid, use of binoculars for the day, and all required workshop materials. Participants are encouraged to come prepared for the weather as this workshop is held "rain or shine". Participants should also bring their own birding equipment and dinner. Participants are responsible for their own offsite transportation. Please note that this Experience Algonquin Workshop will take place from 3:00pm to 9:00pm on Saturday and 6:00am to 9:00am on Sunday to correlate with the best bird song periods. An optional Saturday night (later than 9:00pm) component is possible for interested participants (see the description above for details). A dinner break will also incorporated into the Saturday workshop timing.
All workshop proceeds support the charitable work of The Friends of Algonquin Park.