SFA Gardens to host bird watching seminar

Cliff Shackelford, non-game ornithologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center will host a two-part garden seminar, "How to Identify and Attract a Flock of Backyard Birds," with a lecture from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and hands-on, bird-watching activities from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

Cliff Shackelford, non-game ornithologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will speak about bird identification and common local birds. On day two of the seminar, guests will take a nature walk to the Shackelford home near the Pineywoods Native Plant Center to look for backyard birds.

Shackelford, a fourth-generation Texan, began bird watching at the age of 9. He earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in biology with an emphasis in avian ecology from SFA, and he has authored more than 50 publications on birds and birding, including the book "Hummingbirds of Texas."

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 will be available. The cost is $15 for members of SFA Garden Friends and $20 for non-members. To register, call the SFA Gardens Education Offices at (936) 468-1832, or email erodewald@sfasu.edu.