{"id":670,"date":"2020-12-06T18:53:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-07T02:53:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/?page_id=670"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T17:16:17","slug":"classes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/learn\/classes\/","title":{"rendered":"Classes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”c1e424a9-7864-4e06-a88b-5b6b86cb9c39″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”d10c861a-5541-4742-ab43-1320c21df5e4″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Photo features a Sandhill Crane, a large bird, standing on one leg with wings open.” title_text=”Sandhill Crane, Patrick Dennen, Audubon Photography Awards” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”e02ea4c6-d835-44d6-aace-1c6805576f21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”4e816006-4dad-44d9-befa-063e096517e9″ global_colors_info=”{}”]
Cooper's Hawk | Connie Guillory, Audubon Photography Awards<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”b7c43f60-75e9-4a7e-bf2f-65bf47312a20″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”31f15a8b-e4c9-42e2-8f09-798e59199e63″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Adult Classes & Bird University\u00a0<\/h1>\n

Birds Connect Seattle offers many different opportunities for adults to learn more about birds, habitat, conservation, birding by ear, nature-themed art, and more!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”e3c9ad65-46ae-46c4-9590-83946bf853a6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”fc5b20a0-0ab0-4fc2-b5e0-6b7a2afa37d8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”

Adult Classes<\/span><\/h1>\nBirds Connect Seattle offers many different opportunities for adults to learn more about birds, habitat, conservation, nature-themed art, and more! <\/span>\n\nVisit our calendar<\/a> to see the full listing of upcoming adult classes, Bird University courses, and other fun events. <\/strong>A filtered calendar of just adult education opportunities is available on this page.<\/span>\n\nAll of our online classes are recorded and shared with registrants. Recordings are available for one month past the live class date. For class series, the recordings are available for one month past the last live class session.<\/span>\n\nCurrent members of Birds Connect Seattle receive a 20% discount on online and in-person classes, as well as our advanced Bird University classes as a benefit of annual membership<\/a>.<\/span>” content_phone=”

Adult Classes<\/span><\/h1>\nBirds Connect Seattle offers many different opportunities for adults to learn more about birds, habitat, conservation, nature-themed art, and more! <\/span>\n\nVisit our calendar<\/a> to see the full listing of upcoming adult classes, Bird University courses, and other fun events. <\/strong>A filtered calendar of just adult education opportunities is available on this page.<\/span>\n\nAll of our online classes are recorded and shared with registrants. Recordings are available for one month past the live class date. For class series, the recordings are available for one month past the last live class session.<\/span>\n\nCurrent members of Birds Connect Seattle receive a 20% discount on online and in-person classes, as well as our advanced Bird University classes as a benefit of annual membership<\/a>.<\/span>” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_font_tablet=”” header_font_phone=”” header_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_font_size_tablet=”16px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Adult Classes<\/span><\/h1>\n

Visit our calendar<\/a> to see the full listing of upcoming adult classes, Bird University courses, and other fun events. <\/strong>A filtered calendar of just adult education opportunities is available on this page.<\/span><\/p>\n

Current members of Birds Connect Seattle receive a 20% discount on online and in-person classes, as well as our advanced Bird University classes as a benefit of annual membership<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text content_tablet=”

Bird University<\/span><\/h1>\n

Bird University is the next generation of the master birder program, our class series with curriculum designed for advanced birders. Class and unit formats will be structured around Washington\u2019s distinct ecoregions<\/a> and the birds that inhabit them. Classes are a hybrid of remote and asynchronous learning, in addition to in-person classroom, small-group study time, and field instruction. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To stay in the loop about Bird University and how to register, please add your information to this interest form<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>” content_phone=”

Bird University<\/span><\/h1>\n

Bird University is the next generation of the master birder program, our class series with curriculum designed for advanced birders. Class and unit formats will be structured around Washington\u2019s distinct ecoregions<\/a> and the birds that inhabit them. Classes are a hybrid of remote and asynchronous learning, in addition to in-person classroom, small-group study time, and field instruction. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To stay in the loop about Bird University and how to register, please add your information to this interest form<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Main text ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Bird University<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Bird University curriculum is structured around Washington\u2019s distinct ecoregions<\/a> and the birds that inhabit them. Classes are a hybrid of remote and asynchronous learning, in addition to in-person classroom, small-group study time, and field instruction. These courses run annually and are designed for intermediate to advanced birders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To stay in the loop about Bird University and how to register, please add your information to this interest form<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ebde950d-c3ba-49ce-b359-1ea413b95c7e” body_font=”Archivo||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ toggle_font_tablet=”” toggle_font_phone=”” toggle_font_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Upcoming Bird University Courses, Instructors, & Registration Links” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Bird University courses are intented for intermediate to advanced birders.<\/p>\n

Birds of the Central Puget Lowlands with Dr. Jack DeLap and Dr. Ursula Valdez<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Online Classes:\u00a0<\/strong>Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23,\u00a030, May 7, 14, 21, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

Field Trips: <\/strong>Saturdays, April 11, 25, and May 16, 3 hours in the morning<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Urban Birds with<\/strong> Dr. Jack DeLap and Dr. Ursula Valdez<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Online Classes: <\/strong>Tuesdays, <\/strong>April 7, 14, 28, and May 5, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

Field Trips: <\/strong>Saturdays, April 18, May 2, and 9, 3 hours in the morning<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Birds of the Columbia Plateau with Jason Fidorra<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Online classes:<\/strong> Wednesdays,\u00a0April 15, 22, 29, and May 6, from 6-7:30pm,<\/p>\n

Field trip:<\/strong> May 16-17 based from Kennewick, WA<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Birding by Ear,<\/strong> Laying the Foundation for a Lifetime of Listening<\/strong> with Whitney Neufeld-Kaiser<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Online Classes:<\/strong> Tuesdays, September 1 and 8, from 6:30 – 8:30pm<\/p>\n

Field Trip:<\/strong> Sunday, September 13, from 7-9:00 AM – location TBD<\/p>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Class Fees, Additional Expenses, and Scholarships” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Bird University classes are similar to college-level ornithology courses. Birds Connect Seattle subsidizes a portion of this program’s expenses, with the grateful understanding that Bird University course graduates will contribute to the local birding community through future volunteerism, advocacy, and knowledge sharing. To make Bird University financially accessible to as many people as possible, we offer a sliding scale for class fees. Birds Connect Seattle will not ask for personal financial details from any Bird University participant. Students will be asked only to confirm participation and specify the amount they will pay for their class fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a question about the sliding-scale fee, please contact Christine Scheele at christines@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants have a few other expenses in addition to the class fee: sharing carpool costs on field trips, lodging and food on overnight class field trips, and optional resources such as field guides and apps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Course Prerequisites & Commitments” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Bird University courses are designed for individuals with intermediate to advanced bird knowledge<\/strong>. We do not restrict registration or require an entry exam to enroll, but we strongly encourage you to take a self-assessment prior to registration to ensure this course will be a good fit for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Participant Self-Assessment<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want to test your readiness for these intensive classes? Take these fun bird quizzes! These are not entrance exams and we know that you sign up for classes to learn. If, however, you don’t recognize any of the birds or bird names, we suggest signing up for our non-Bird U classes to build your skills before jumping into a Bird U course.<\/p>\n

Birds of the Central Puget Lowlands<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

Birds of the Okanogan<\/a> (not scheduled for 2026)<\/a><\/p>\n

Birds of the Columbia Plateau<\/a><\/p>\n

To get the most out of the course and to not impact the experience of other class participants all components of the course are manditory including clsswork and field experiences.<\/p>\n

Bird University graduates are seen as local leaders in bird knowledge and conservation. Because Birds Connect Seattle subsidizes a portion of the expense of running this course, we gratefully request that all Bird University graduates will contribute to the local birding community through future volunteerism, advocacy, and knowledge sharing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Field Trips” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]

All Bird University courses have required field experiences in order to apply the lessons learned from course work. Past Bird University students tell us these are a highlight of the course and are an essential opportunity to apply what they have learned.<\/p>\n

Carpooling with other students for field trips is a requirement to ensure group safety, smooth trip logistics including parking and permits, and creates a lower carbon footprint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some field trips will require extended travel and\/or overnight accomodations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Frequently Asked Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font=”Connect Display||||||||” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions <\/a>page for more information. If you still have lingering questions, contact Christine Scheele at christines@birdsconnectsea.org.<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Connect Display||||||||” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Class Recordings<\/h1>\n

All of our online classes are recorded and shared with registrants. Recordings are available for one month past the live class date. For class series, the recordings are available for one month past the last live class session.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1437″ active_link_color=”#0A3C23″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”||||||||” menu_text_color=”#000000″ menu_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; ||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold; ” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%; ” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text admin_label=”Main text ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Upcoming Class Offerings<\/h3>\n