Birding for Beginners

Birding for Beginners: New England States

Have you ever been curious about birding as a hobby but have been a bit intimidated? Do you know a few obvious species but want to learn more? This course will inspire you to take a step forward by teaching you basic skills and common birds.

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Course Overview

Designed for beginners, this 6-chapter course will provide the essential tools and knowledge to enjoy birdwatching with a focus on New England species

Get to know the common birds of New England by season
Learn the essentials on binoculars, field guides, and apps
See how size, shape, behavior and sounds help to identifying birds
Understand why birds matter in our ecosystem
Gain confidence with expert advice as you get started on your birdwatching journey

Course curriculum

A 6-part plan to become a certified birder and learn the birds of New England

1

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Birdwatching
2

Chapter 2: Getting Started with Basic Gear
- Chapter 2 Overview
- Lesson 1: Binoculars & How to Use Them
- Lesson 2: Field Guides
- Lesson 3: Digital Guides, Apps and More
- Lesson 4: Keeping a Bird List
- Quiz: Tools and apps to get started
3

Chapter 3: How to Identify Birds
- Chapter 3 Overview
- Lesson 1: Range and Season
- Lesson 2: Size and Shape
- Lesson 3: Color Patterns and Markings
- Lesson 4: Behavior
- Lesson 5: Get to know 30 Year-round Birds
- Lesson 6: Vocalizations
- Quiz: Identify these 15 year-round birds
4

Chapter 4: Learning Your Local Birds
- Chapter 4: Overview
- Lesson 1: Backyard Basics: Feeders, Baths, and Plantings
- Lesson 2: Using Checklists, Bar Charts, Range Maps, and Apps
- Lesson 3: Exploring Nearby Parks and Nature Preserves
- Lesson 4: Get to Know 30 Summer Birds
- Quiz: Identify these 15 summer birds
5

Chapter 5: Venturing Beyond Your Local Area
- Chapter 5: Overview
- Lesson 1: Key Facts on Bird Migration and Seasons
- Lesson 2: New England’s Diverse Habitats
- Lesson 3: Guide to the Best Places to See Birds by Season
- Lesson 4: Get to Know 25 Coastal Birds
- Quiz: Identify 15 coastal birds
6

Chapter 6: Getting Involved in Community & Conservation
- Chapter 6: Overview
- Lesson 1: Why Birds Matter
- Lesson 2: Tracking Bird Populations and Species Decline
- Lesson 3: Where Conservation is Making a Difference
- Lesson 4: Getting Involved - Steps You Can Take
- Quiz: Certify your status as a beginning birder! 20 questions from all chapter information.

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

Get to know 85 bird species

What are the most common birds in New England? When and where are you likely to see them? Get a list with photos, species names, and features to start you on your "Life List".
Audubon Field Guide to New England Signed by Author, Peter Alden

Sign up for the course and you'll be eligible to purchase an autographed copy of this indispensable Field Guide at a 10% discount.
Hotspots of New England

Beyond your backyard, New England is home to some of the best birdwaching sites. Get a state by state guide to over 40 pristine birding hotspots to seek out new birds and when to visit.

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

Course Fee

$39.99

Get started now

Social proof: reviews

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...

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.

Read Less

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...

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.

Read Less

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...

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.

Read Less

Great for beginners

Yvonne Liu-Constant

Wonderful information for beginners, covering a wide range of topics.

Read Less

Get to know 85 bird species

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

Hotspots of New England

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