BIRD-115: Introduction to Raptors
Description
| Class Level | Beginner |
| Virtual Lecture Dates: | Wednesday, February 11 Wednesday, February 18 via Zoom |
| Lecture Time: | 7:00 – 9:00 pm |
| Class Location: | Online |
| Field Trip Date: | Saturday, February 21, 2026 |
| Field Trip Location: | TBD |
| Instructor: | Dave Read |
| Class Fee: | $45 members, $50 non-members |
Raptors are exciting birds to encounter in the wild; larger-than-life birds that prey on mammals, reptiles and even other birds. Raptors are plentiful in the Austin area, with over a dozen species regularly seen in Travis County. This course will cover raptor biology, behavior and adaptations, and we will learn how to identify the 8 most common species you might encounter. We will also briefly touch on some of the less common species so you know where to start when you see one.
We recommend you come to the field trip with binoculars, a hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and water. There are a limited number of binoculars available for loan to students who don’t already have some.
This class is limited to 20 participants. Tuition is $45 for TAS members and $50 for non-members.
About the Instructor:
Dave has been a wildlife photographer for over 25 years, both underwater and above ground. He is an avid birder and is excited to work with new birders to start them on the road toward enjoying and identifying the birds they see.