Lowcountry Master Birder Education Program

Strategy

A maximum of three participants will be selected for the first program, projected to begin July 1, 2025. Each participant will have a Hilton Head Audubon mentor/advisor.

Requirements

Ø Attend a minimum of three HHA field trips in three different habitats;

Ø Be co-leader for at least one field trip under the guidance of an experienced field trip leader;

Ø Attend a minimum of three HHA adult education classes (with approval of the mentor, an HHA program presentation could substitute for one class);

Ø Be co-instructor for at least one HHA adult education class or co-presenter for one HHA program;

Ø Become proficient using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s reference guide, “Birds of the World” ($49.00 annual subscription);

Ø Successfully complete two of the following Cornell Lab Bird Academy’s

“Be a Better Birder” courses:

Required:

· Shorebird Identification (124.99) 12⁺ hours to complete;

Optional:

· Duck and Waterfowl Identification ($59.99) 7⁺ hours to complete;

· Warbler Identification ($124.99) 16⁺ hours to complete;

· Sparrow Identification ($124.99) 16⁺ hours to complete;

· Hawk and Raptor Identification ($124.99) 9⁺ hours to complete;

· Gull Identification ($124.99) 9⁺ hours to complete.

Cornell Lab Bird Academy on-line courses are taught by expert instructors, can be started anytime, and are self-paced.

Ø Have a basic level knowledge of important Lowcountry ecosystems, including the birds that require these habitats (this may become a class);

Ø Have a basic familiarity with the 330 species common to South Carolina

Ø Correctly identify 50 of 75 photographs of common Lowcountry birds;

Ø Correctly identify 20 of 30 sounds (songs and calls) of common Lowcountry birds.

Note: Prior participation in HHA’s classes, programs, field trips may be used to satisfy some requirements, with mentor approval. Successful completion of another Master Birder program may satisfy some Lowcountry Master Birder requirements, with mentor approval.

Total expected cost for Registrant:

Expenses:

$200 tuition to HHA (3 classes and 3 field trips included)

$49 “Birds of the World” subscription

$185 - $250 for two Cornell Bird Academy courses

$434 - $499 Total Cost