Online Class: Bird Watching — Food, Feeders and Behavior

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11Lessons
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34Exams &
Assignments -
5Hours
average time -
0.5CEUs
Course Description
Imagine stepping into your backyard and suddenly becoming aware of a whole world you never fully noticed before--a world alive with color, song, and movement. From the flicker of a Blue Jay's wing to the soft trill of a Chickadee, bird watching transforms even the most ordinary day into something magical. This course will open your eyes to that world, but more importantly, it will show you how to connect with it in ways that are deeply meaningful, exciting, and life-enriching.
This isn't just another course on bird watching; it's a journey into the heart of nature, one that will forever change how you see your surroundings. Whether you're simply curious or already passionate about birds, you'll find that this course is designed to make every moment of observation more rewarding and insightful. What sets this course apart is its deeply personal approach--it's not about memorizing bird species; it's about experiencing them. It's about understanding the delicate ecosystems birds thrive in and how your actions can positively contribute to their survival and well-being.
As you progress through the course, you'll learn not only how to identify birds by sight and song but also how to attract them, feed them properly, and create a sanctuary that invites more feathered friends into your life. You'll uncover the secrets of bird behavior--why they migrate, how they choose their nesting spots, and even the unique ways they communicate with one another. By the end, you'll be able to predict when certain species will arrive and notice the subtle seasonal changes that trigger their behaviors.
But beyond the technical knowledge, this course offers something even more transformative: a deeper connection to the natural world. It's about finding peace in the simple act of watching a bird bathe in a birdbath or marveling at the resilience of migratory species. You'll walk away not just with new skills, but with a sense of purpose, knowing you can make a tangible difference in supporting local wildlife.
Ready to take your place in the wonderful world of bird watching? This course is your gateway--an opportunity not just to observe nature but to truly understand and appreciate it. Sign up today, and let's make your world a little more vibrant, one bird at a time.
Course Motivation
Imagine stepping outside, and suddenly, your world expands. What was once just a quiet backyard becomes a vibrant, living stage where birds of every color, shape, and size perform. Their songs, flights, and behaviors captivate you, and you realize that this world has been waiting for you all along. This is what bird watching can unlock—a connection to nature that is both exhilarating and profoundly calming. But it’s not just about spotting a bird. It’s about understanding their behaviors, their migratory patterns, and how you can create a sanctuary that attracts them right to your doorstep.
Welcome to a course that promises to transform your everyday experience into something extraordinary. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been a casual bird watcher for years, this course is designed to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and inspire your love for bird watching like never before. It's not just a course; it's a gateway to an entirely new perspective.
What makes this course special is the holistic approach it takes. It’s not just about identifying different bird species—although you’ll become an expert at that. It’s about learning how to invite these beautiful creatures into your life and environment. You’ll discover the right feeders, birdhouses, and plants that will turn your backyard into a bustling aviary. You’ll learn the secrets of attracting rare species and uncover the joy of observing intricate bird behaviors up close. This course goes beyond just observing; it immerses you in the fascinating lives of birds.
But perhaps the most powerful aspect of this course is the way it helps you to find peace and purpose in nature. Bird watching is more than a hobby—it’s an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the world around you. Imagine the sense of fulfillment that comes from nurturing wildlife, contributing to the preservation of species, and creating a space where birds—and your spirit—can thrive.
Unlike other courses that are simply information dumps, this one is crafted to be an engaging journey. You won’t just learn from textbooks or dry tutorials. You’ll explore, practice, and reflect. You’ll be challenged to get out there and start observing right away, whether you live in a city apartment or a rural farmhouse. Every lesson builds on the last, offering you a progressive learning experience that leaves you with tangible, practical skills that you can immediately apply.
By the end of this course, you won’t just know about birds—you’ll feel a deep, personal connection to them. You’ll wake up with excitement, ready to see which new feathered friends might be visiting your yard that day. This course offers you the keys to a lifelong passion that brings joy, calm, and a deeper sense of meaning.
If you’re ready to enrich your life with the beauty and wonder of bird watching, then this is the course for you. Don’t wait. The birds are out there now, and they’re waiting for you to notice. Join today and embark on this transformative journey into the world of birds.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Connecting Generations Through a Shared Love of Birds
Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Activity-14466.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1: Assignment
Complete Assignment: In the beginning
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam
Lesson 2. Backyard Birding: Inviting Nature to Your Doorstep
Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Activity-14470.pdf
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam
Lesson 3. Bird Watching Basics
Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-WorkSheet-14473.pdf
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam
Lesson 4. Nourishing Nature: How to Transform Your Yard into a Bird Buffet
Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-14477.pdf
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam
Lesson 5. Welcoming Birds: The Art of Feeder and Bird Bath Placement
Lesson 5 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-HomeWork-14481.pdf
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam
Lesson 6. Building Bird Neighborhoods
Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-Activity-14484.pdf
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam
Lesson 7. The Art and Science of Bird Identification: Beyond Feathers and Flight
Lesson 7 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-HomeWork-14487.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam
Lesson 8. Seasonal Avian Adventures
Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-HomeWork-14490.pdf
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam
Lesson 9. Responding to Bird Crises with Care and Expertise
Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-WordSearch-14493.pdf
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Complete Assignment: New Bird
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam
Lesson 10. Beyond the Binoculars: Expanding Your Birdwatching Experience
Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WordSearch-14497.pdf
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam
Lesson 11. Feathers, Flights, and Feasts: Unveiling the Avian Mysteries
Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Downloadable-14500.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Complete Assignment: Final Thoughts
Assessment: Final Exam
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute to citizen science projects by accurately recording and reporting bird observations during events like the Christmas Bird Count.
- Recognize different species of birds using visual and auditory clues by engaging with a field guide during bird watching activities.
- Demonstrate methods to create a bird-friendly environment at home to attract a variety of bird species.
- Recognize different bird species in various environments by observing their behavior and habitats.
- Identify and describe the key features of a suitable pair of binoculars for bird watching, including magnification and lens diameter.
- Use a field guide to accurately classify at least five bird species observed, noting their distinguishing characteristics and behaviors.
- Demonstrate how to create a homemade bird feeder using pinecones and peanut butter to engage in bird-watching activities.
- Identify three types of bird food and the species they attract to tailor your backyard feeding strategy.
- Demonstrate how proper placement of bird feeders and baths enhances bird safety and increases diversity in a backyard environment.
- Identify and explain two different types of bird feeders and their specific benefits for attracting various bird species.
- Identify specific preferences of different bird species regarding birdhouse design and placement, and implement these specifications to effectively attract desired species.
- Recognize the importance of providing nesting spaces for cavity-nesting birds and how it contributes to their survival amidst declining natural habitats.
- Identify and categorize birds by observing distinct family traits, behavior, and field markings in a natural setting.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Student Testimonials
- "This was a great teacher and she was wonderful with feedback about questions and ideas in reference to more information." -- Sherry F.
- "This was the first course I have taken on Universal Class. I was impressed by the course material. The instructor was great - made comments on my assignments and grades. Overall a great experience." -- Mary L.
- "Nancy is a great instructor. I've had her for 2 courses now and have thoroughly enjoyed them both." -- Kathleen S.
- "Love her, awesome instructor!" -- Karen W.
- "Instructor was wonderful." -- Margo L.
- "Enjoyed this course very much." -- Tracy O.
- "This course was presented in a very interesting and engaging format. The instructor was informative and pleasant. I enjoyed her inclusion of photographs and quotations that pertained to backyard bird watching. I'm encouraged to continue research on my own with the links she provided." -- janet J.