Indiana Dunes State Park will offer two birding workshops in 2016.
Each workshop will introduce nature enthusiasts to the birding available in the Indiana Dunes area. They appeal to a wide range of skills and interest levels.
The first workshop, "Indiana Dunes Birding: Crash Course," is on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 2-5 p.m., at the nature center. The workshop is an introduction to birding, including common species found in the dunes, bird walks, and an opportunity to see bird banding. The workshop costs $10 for adults and $5 for youth younger than age 18.
The second workshop, "Beginning Birding in the Dunes," is an eight-week course designed to introduce participants to birding sites, a comprehensive study of the birds viewable in the dunes, and more. The workshop meets each Thursday, March 10 through April 28, from 6-8 p.m., at the nature center. Optional field trips, bird walks and other outdoor activities are offered during weekends. The workshop is led by local birding experts Dr. Ken Brock and Michael Topp. The workshop costs $50 for adults and $25 for youth younger than age 18.
"The birding workshops are a great lead-up to the second annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, being held May 5-8 in the Indiana Dunes area," said Brad Bumgardner, Indiana Dunes State Park interpretive naturalist.
Participants must register in advance by calling (219) 926-1390.
Indiana Dunes State Park (www.stateparks.IN.gov/2980.htm) is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.
To view all DNR news releases, please see www.dnr.IN.gov.
Media contact: Brad Bumgardner, DNR State Parks, (219) 926-1390, bbumgardner@dnr.IN.gov.
