Course Overview

This 8-chapter course presents the story of migration and the most common birds to know in the fall season. Learn about the migration feat, how to identify birds in autumn, and the birds in a variety of geographies. Broken down by 6 regions, from woodlands to mudflats, learn the facts to identify species or refresh your current knowledge.

  • Build ID skills through video, sounds, and facts on 80 autumn species

  • Gain insight on where and how to spot birds with expert tips

  • Learn about migration and how climate change is impacting birds

  • Get to know the proper names of birds and ID them by sight and sound

Course curriculum

A 10-chapter course to learn the basics of birdingwatching

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Autumn Birding in New England

    • Chapter 1 Overview

    • Lesson 1: Why Do Birds Migrate?

    • Lesson 2: Birdwatching in Autumn

    • Lesson 3: Autumn Checklist - Record Your Bird Sightings

    • Quiz: What’s your autumn Bird IQ before taking the course?
  • 2

    Chapter 2: Backyard Birds in Autumn

    • Chapter 2 Overview

    • Lesson 1: Slideshow - Backyard Birds in Autumn

    • Lesson 2: Facts to ID - Backyard Birds in Autumn

    • Quiz: Identify these Backyard Birds in Autumn
  • 3

    Chapter 3: Woodland Birds in Autumn

    • Chapter 3 Overview

    • Lesson 1 Slideshow - Woodland Birds in Autumn

    • Lesson 2: Facts to ID - Woodland Birds in Autumn

    • Quiz: Identify these Woodland Birds in Autumn
  • 4

    Chapter 4: Marsh and Pond Birds in Autumn

    • Chapter 4 Overview

    • Lesson 1 Slideshow - Marsh and Pond Birds in Autumn

    • Lesson 2: Facts to ID - Marsh and Pond Birds in Autumn

    • Quiz: Identify these Marsh and Pond Birds in Autumn
  • 5

    Chapter 5: Mudflat Birds in Autumn

    • Chapter 5 Overview

    • Lesson 1 Slideshow - Mudflat Birds in Autumn

    • Lesson 2: Facts to ID - Mudflat Birds in Autumn

    • Quiz: Identify these Mudflat Birds in Autumn
  • 6

    Chapter 6: Aerial Autumn Migrants

    • Chapter 6 Overview

    • Lesson 1 Slideshow - Aerial Autumn Migrants

    • Lesson 2 Facts to ID - Aerial Autumn Migrants

    • Quiz: Identify these Aerial Autumn Migrants
  • 7

    Chapter 7: Oceanic Birds in Autumn

    • Chapter 7 Overview

    • Lesson 1 Slideshow - Oceanic Birds in Autumn

    • Lesson 2 Facts to ID - Oceanic Birds in Autumn

    • Quiz: Identify These Oceanic Birds in Autumn
  • 8

    Chapter 8: The Future of Migration

    • Chapter 8 Overview

    • Lesson 1: Bird Migration Science & Facts

    • Lesson 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Migration

    • Final Quiz: Test Your Autumn Bird IQ!

Your Birding Expert

New England's resident birder and author guides the way

Senior Instructor

Peter Alden

Peter Alden is a world renowned naturalist, lecturer, ecotourism guide and author of 15 books on North American and African wildlife, including the National Audubon Society’s Regional Field Guide Series. He is considered to be an authority on birds and larger mammals of the world and is often consulted by the media and the ecotourism industry for his expertise. Peter is also a highly entertaining and widely sought after lecturer on topics that include world wildlife, the Polar regions, invasive plants and biodiversity.

Bonus Items

As part of this course, you get the following extra items

  • Certificate of Completion

    Through facts, images, sounds and video, learn the species. Pass the chapter quizzes for a certificate, a great sense of accomplishment.

  • Audubon Field Guide to New England Signed by Author, Peter Alden

    Take the challenge test by recording your species on a checklist and submit your score. Score 90% for a free field guide, 60% for 50% off.

  • Comprehensive Checklist

    Organized by region and season, use this handy tool to record your sightings. New England is home to many varied ecosystems and learn which species can be found where.

This course is entirely online

A fun, informative way to learn the basics from an expert

  • Self-paced, no deadline to complete the course

  • Return to the lessons as often as you want

  • All course materials - instruction, videos, quizzes are accessible via web browser

Social proof: reviews

5 star rating

Great fun and well-delivered

Beth Clary

Great fun and well-delivered information. Mr. Alden is clear and shares tidbits of bird trivia, history and perhaps little known facts that add to the genera...

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Great fun and well-delivered information. Mr. Alden is clear and shares tidbits of bird trivia, history and perhaps little known facts that add to the general information about becoming a birder.

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5 star rating

A truly fun experience

Molly Nye

A truly fun experience, full of surprising information, like the biological background of the blue jay and the fact that the tufted titmouse is related to th...

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A truly fun experience, full of surprising information, like the biological background of the blue jay and the fact that the tufted titmouse is related to the chickadee.

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5 star rating

Really, really good

Christopher Bensley

I found it easy to progress through, got me hooked. I like how they mixed in photos with tips and videos. you can go back and forth so you can skip to a sect...

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I found it easy to progress through, got me hooked. I like how they mixed in photos with tips and videos. you can go back and forth so you can skip to a section you want to learn more about. Also price is very reasonable for all you get.

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