Oases in the Mojave Desert are used by a wide variety of bird species every fall as stopping points during their southward migration. This course examines the important role of these stopover areas in the conservation of neotropical migrant birds and introduces the techniques used to identify the common families of birds found in the vicinity of the Desert Studies Center, where more than 240 bird species have been recorded. We'll caravan to nearby locations that serve as migrant “traps” to observe both migrant and resident birds in their natural habitats and learn about ecology, natural history and special adaptations to the harsh desert environment. This weekend course is appropriate for ornithology students of all levels, teachers looking for useful classroom ideas, and also those interested in general desert ecology. Two-nights’ lodging and five meals are included with the course fee.

Approved