SFA Gardens to host bird-watching seminar
November 9, 2009
The Pineywoods Native Plant Center at Stephen F. Austin State University will host a two-part garden seminar "How to Identify and Attract a Flock of Backyard Birds" on Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 14 from 8 to 11 a.m.
On Friday evening, Cliff Shackelford, ornithologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, will present a lecture about bird identification and common local birds. On Saturday morning, he will lead a birding stroll through the plant center and to the Shackelford home nearby to visit their backyard that is "for the birds."
Shackelford is a fifth-generation Texan and started bird watching at age 9. He holds both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in biology with an emphasis in avian ecology from SFA and has authored more than 50 publications on birds and birding. He is the author of "Hummingbirds of Texas," published in September 2005.
Participants will meet for both sessions at the Tucker House at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and binoculars are available for first-time birders.
Cost is $15 for members of SFA Garden Friends and $20 for non-members. To register, call the SFA Gardens Education Office at (936) 468-1832 or e-mail erodewald@sfasu.edu.