The spring is a great time to be out and about and to explore the Santa Ynez Valley. According to Dr. Fred Emerson, “the spring is also the best-of-all seasons for bird study, as migrants from the south pass through, wintering birds change plumage and leave, and year-round residents are mating, nesting, and rearing young.” This spring, beginning on April 4, the knowledgeable Dr. Emerson again led a birding field course for the Wildling Art Museum.

The course met every Tuesday morning, 8:30-10:30, for seven weeks. The initial meeting on April 4 was at the Wildling Art Museum”s Administrative Offices, 2948 Nojoqui Street in Los Olivos. Subsequent meetings were held in different habitats throughout the Valley, including Zaca Lake and the Sedgwick Reserve. Identification, habits, ecology, and life histories of birds were covered, as will the general natural history of the habitats visited. The course was valuable for the novice as well as the experienced bird watcher.

Dr. Emerson has conducted the Wildling Art Museum’s birding classes for several years and has a wide following of enthusiastic birders. He is broadly trained and experienced in biological sciences with a Ph.D. from Cornell University in wildlife management and an M.D. from Vanderbilt University.

The first meeting was at the Museum, and each session included a moderate amount of walking. Those having binoculars and birding guides were reccomended to bring them. Otherwise, advice was given on recommended equipment and books.