What are those birds doing? Why are they making that sound?
On Saturday, May 6 from 7:30-9:30AM, Chocorua Lake Conservancy presents “Bird Language,” an outdoor workshop with naturalist and outdoor educator Hillary Behr at the Charlotte C. Browne Woods on Washington Hill Road in Chocorua. Join Hillary on her journey of learning about bird language. During this program, Hillary will share information from the book What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World by Jon Young and lead the group through a “bird sit” during which we will observe and interpret bird language. Knowledge of bird song and bird identification is useful but not required—humans can learn to interpret the different “voices” of birds without necessarily knowing the species.
In order to survive, birds have to be incredibly aware of and responsive to what’s happening around them. With practice, humans can tune in to what the birds are saying and doing and learn to interpret this language. The birds can tell us when there is a predator around and even what species it is, before we see it. From watching birds through the lens of bird language, we can tell where their territories are, who their mates are, and when their nests are in danger. When we pay attention to bird language, it opens up a whole new way of seeing nature!
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear close-toed shoes; we may be walking in a field or on woods trails. If you like, bring a blanket, pillow, or folding chair to sit on as the ground is often damp in the early morning, sun and/or bug protection, a water bottle, and snacks. Interested and patient kids ages 6 and up are welcome with a caregiver—the program includes an hour of quiet sitting and observing time. This program is free; the CLC welcomes donations in support of its work. Please register in advance below so that we can let you know of any changes in the schedule. Rain date will be May 7.
Hillary Behr. Photo courtesy of Hillary Behr.
Hillary Behr grew up exploring the woods and waters of Tamworth and still calls it home. She earned a degree in Environmental Conservation and spent 8 years in rural California, working in land conservation and outdoor science education. Hillary has a Masters of Education, a NH teaching certification, and has worked as a teacher in many different settings, both outdoors and in the classroom, most recently teaching high school Environmental Science.
Banner image: A bird language map created by participants in an autumn bird language workshop, a time of year when birds are much quieter than now in the spring. So just imagine what the spring map is going to look like! Photo: Juno Lamb