ICL: Fall Birding 2024 - September 17 – October 22

Course Instructor - Julie Sibley

Birdwatching is a fascinating pastime during this time of year with so many birds flying South amid multiple challenges in a changing landscape.

Following the routes former ICL Instructor Tom Striker used we will be sure to find the local bird 'hotspots.'  Last year, during the third week of September, 2.2 million songbirds flew over Towns County in just one night. Because of the new highway construction, we will be able to observe how these adaptable creatures are faring in spite of the local habitat infringement.   We will find out which, if any, birds have rerouted their courses for their winter homes. Every week we will get to share your sightings of birds either at your feeders or in your neighborhood.

Highly Recommended:  Install two free apps: Merlin and e bird on your phone.  Be sure to bring your binoculars.

Class 1 ~ We will meet in the ICL classroom to discuss different types of migration and other topics. The use of the phone apps will also be discussed. Then we will travel to a nearby carpool area where we will meet for all future classes.

Class 2- 6 ~ Meet at the carpool area and drive to the bird watching areas. Be sure to wear cold weather or cold, rainy weather gear!

Julie Sibley is a designer, teacher and writer from Young Harris, GA.  As a student at YHC many of her inspirations for art came from the natural beauty of this valley, portraying the wonders of nature through her work.   She holds a MA in Fine Art from Western Carolina University.  Most recently, she has been a member of the art faculty at Augusta State University where she taught the art history section of World Humanities.