Beginning Birding Class Spring 2026

By Ted Smith, Chapter President, Coeur d’Alene Audubon

This spring, Coeur d’Alene Audubon once again partnered with the Coeur d’Alene Public Library to offer our popular Beginning Birding class over three consecutive Saturdays in April 2026. This was the fourth time we have offered the course, and interest was stronger than ever, with registration filling two weeks before the first class.

The turnout and enthusiasm from participants made this year’s class especially memorable. Of the 35 people who registered, 32 attended the first session. Traditionally, attendance drops as the weeks progress—giving up three Saturday mornings during the height of spring migration can be a challenge—but this group stayed remarkably engaged. Twenty-four participants attended the final classroom session, and 20 joined the field trip the following Saturday.

This was by far the most engaged and enthusiastic class we have had. Participants brought dozens of thoughtful questions as we explored the basics of bird identification, binocular use, field guides, and birding apps. Heather S. once again did an outstanding job keeping things organized, answering questions, and sharing information about bird feeding and feeders. George S. led an excellent introduction to binoculars and spotting scopes, while Ralph K. covered the basics of bird photography and camera use in the field. Their assistance was greatly appreciated by the main presenter, Ted Smith, current president of Coeur d’Alene Audubon.

Special appreciation also goes to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library staff for their support and hospitality. The library continues to provide a welcoming and comfortable venue for this class.

The class concluded with a field trip to Saltese Uplands Conservation Area, where participants had the opportunity to apply their new skills in the field. It was rewarding to watch students connect classroom learning with real-life birding experiences. One highlight was observing a trio of sunning Double-crested Cormorants, a species many participants were surprised to learn occurs in our region. A swirling kettle of vultures overhead added even more excitement to the morning.

Given the success of this year’s program, we are planning to offer Beginning Birding again next spring with a slight format change. Instead of three consecutive Saturday mornings, we are considering three evening classes in April followed by a Saturday field trip. We hope this schedule will make the course even more accessible to future participants.

Watch the Coeur d’Alene Public Library events calendar beginning in March 2027 for registration information.