Field Ornithology

Field Education programs for professionals, students and lay people

Photos courtesy Brian G. Prescott ©

UCR Extension has offered field ornithology classes for more than 35 years. Most of these classes focus on the birds of Southern California, but some travel classes have been conducted throughout the western hemisphere. Our courses offer the opportunity for anyone of any age or educational background to acquire university-level instruction and experience in bird identification and behavior. Teachers, birders and wildlife professionals are among the many varied interests represented in a typical class, as newcomers join with others who attend classes again and again for days (and sometimes nights) of bird study that are not soon forgotten.