Ornithology Classes
Let your curiosity and keen interest in birds take flight!
See a brief overview of the course, dates, time, and cost. If you would like additional information about the class or to register, click on the course number and title or call the Registrar's Office at 630-719-2468.
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General Interest Courses
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THE ORNITHOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM: SPRING
Enrich your birding adventures and embark on an organized, field-based study of Illinois birds through the Ornithology Program. Classes in the Ornithology Certificate Program are open to all students; you do not have to be enrolled in the Certificate to take classes.
Eight core courses form the foundation of the Ornithology Certificate Program. These core courses are divided into two groups: four seasons of Field Study courses and four courses on the Natural History of Birds. Field Electives (24 contact hours required) allow you to put your knowledge into practice and to build a program that matches your interests. Courses do not have prerequisites nor are they sequential.
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O013 SUMMER BIRD WALKS
Enjoy summer at The Morton Arboretum by searching the woods, fields, and edges for summertime birds. Learn about the summer resident birds, their preferred haunts, foraging needs, and nesting behavior with an expert guide.
Note: Held mostly outdoors. Please dress for the weather, including sun protection.
Supplies: Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
Registration: Open now until the start of the event. Register early to reserve your spot. Normal admission fees apply for nonmembers.
Saturdays, 8:00 – 10:30 am. Thornhill Shelter.
Member $8 (nonmember $10 , plus admission)
Section a: June 1 with Luke Dahlberg
Section b: June 15 with Gloria Dobry
Section c: July 6 with Gloria Dobry (This walk is open to families with children ages 6 and up. Fee is per participant)
Section d: July 20 with Phyllis Mertz
Section e: August 3 with Gloria Dobry
Section f: August 17 with Phyllis Mertz
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The Ornithology Certificate Program
Enrich your birding adventures and embark on an organized, field-based study of Illinois birds through the Ornithology Program. Classes in the program are open to all students; you do not have to be enrolled in the Certificate to take classes.
Eight core courses form the foundation of the Ornithology Certificate Program. These core courses are divided into two groups: four seasons of Field Study courses and four courses on the Natural History of Birds. Field Electives (24 contact hours required) allow you to put your knowledge into practice and to build a program that matches your interests. Courses do not have prerequisites nor are they sequential.
No background is necessary for introductory classes. Courses are open to all, even if you are not working towards a Certificate. For further information, a complete Certificate description, course listings, and online registration, visit mortonarb.org/adults or contact the Registrar's Office at 630-719-2468.
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O603 FIELD STUDY: BIRDS OF SUMMER
Denis Kania, Manager of Natural Areas, St. Charles Park District
Become acquainted with the host of birds that choose to nest and breed in our region. We will observe breeding, foraging, and nesting behavior; discuss food choices and nesting habits; and learn bird songs and calls.
Note: Held indoors and outdoors. Please dress to be outdoors each day
Supplies: Bring a water bottle, binoculars, and field guides
Recommended Text: Sibley's Birding Basics by David Allen Sibley; available at the Arboretum Store
Driving Directions: Several sessions will meet off-site; driving directions will be provided in class
Activity level: Walking on trails and uneven terrain
Certificate Information: Ornithology Certificate Requirement; Naturalist Certificate Elective (18 hours)
5 Sundays, June 2 – 30; 8:00 am – 11:30 am. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $178 (nonmember $209 )
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O491 Birding At Illinois Beach State Park
Gloria Dobry, Arboretum Instructor
Illinois Beach State Park has more high quality natural communities than any other place in Illinois. Marsh, sedge meadow, three kinds of prairie, sand savanna, heath, and foredunes combine to create an incomparable landscape. Join Gloria to see the plants at the peak of their beauty and search for breeding and nesting birds.
Note: Held entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather and for hiking.
Supplies: Please bring water and a snack or sack lunch. Binoculars and field guides will be useful.
Driving Directions: Driving directions will be sent to registrants.
Certificate Information: Ornithology Certificate Field Elective (4 hours)
Friday, June 7; 8:00 a.m. – Noon. Offsite.
Member $32 (nonmember $38 )
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O604 FIELD STUDY: BIRDS OF FALL
Denis Kania, Manager of Natural Areas, St. Charles Park District
Migratory birds fill the air and make autumn an amazing birding season. We are fortunate to be in two flyways, including the longest migration route of any in the Western Hemisphere. Learn fall migrants and newly arrived winter residents. Field work will concentrate on identification skills - how molt, feather wear, and age vary a bird's fall plumage.
Note: The majority of the class is held outdoors and many sessions meet offsite. The class will not meet over Labor Day weekend.
Driving Directions: Driving directions for offsite locations will be supplied in the first class meeting.
Supplies: Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and field guides.
Certificate Information: Ornithology Certificate Requirement; Naturalist Certificate Elective (18 hours)
5 Sundays, August 25 & September 8 – 29; 8:00 – 11:30 am. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $178 (nonmember $209 )
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O634 NIGHT PASSAGE: PERILS OF MIGRATION
Denis Kania, Manager of Natural Areas, St. Charles Park District & Renae Frigo, Naturalist
How do animals decide that it is time to migrate? How do they prepare for their perilous journeys? Explore the Arboretum at night as we search for answers to questions about migration. In the classroom, discuss migrational instincts and the benefits as well as hazards of migration. We will examine the effects of urban development, manmade obstacles and the strain that is put on vulnerable animal populations. Outdoors, bats, birds and insects, as well as other lesser known migrants, will be encountered as we visit various habitats within the Arboretum grounds after nightfall.
Note: This class meets both indoors and outdoors in each section.
Supplies: Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Binoculars and field guides may be useful.
Certificate Information: Ornithology Certificate; Naturalist Certificate Elective (6 hours)
2 Tuesdays, September 3 – 10; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $59 (nonmember $69 )