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I am happy to announce that the 2011-2012 slate of Audubon Teaches Nature (ATN) seminars has been confirmed and I think you'll like the choice of seminar speakers and topics. Some are familiar favorites while other speakers and topics are new to the series.
The ATN seminar series is a joint effort of the Alabama Wildlife Center, Birmingham Audubon Society, Friends of Oak Mountain and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. The seminar topics were selected to appeal to a range of natural history interests for all age levels and it is especially hoped that families with children will attend together. After all, the family that plays together stays together!
The first speaker in the series is well known to BAS members and the Birmingham conservation community. Dr. Mike Howell, co-author (with Ron Jenkins) of the book Spiders of the Eastern United States, will inaugurate the series with a presentation on the spiders of Alabama. Mike will introduce us to the common spiders found in this region, helping us to understand their field marks, habitat preferences and other characteristics of each species. After the program and weather permitting, he will escort us into the field to demonstrate firsthand how to locate and identify spiders commonly found in Alabama woodlands. This will be a fascinating, educational and exciting program for the whole family; bring your children for sure!
Be sure to come early and enjoy some refreshments and conversation in the Observation Room at the Alabama Wildlife Center, then, when it is time for the program, we will proceed to the Interpretive Center for the presentation.
The 2011 - 2012 Program Series:
An Introduction to the Spiders of Alabama
Sunday, October 23rd, 2:00 p.m. ~ Mike Howell, Guest Speaker
Oak Mountain Interpretive Center Auditorium
Alabama is blessed with a wide variety of habitats within her borders,, and filling every available niche are an equally diverse group of animals. Among these are the spiders. Some are found only within the dune system of the northern Gulf coast wihle others are found only on certain plants. Come learn all about these and more from an expert who literally "wrote the book".
Discovering Alabama ~ Your Ticket to Nature's Finest Show
Sunday, November 20th, 2:00 p.m. ~ Doug Phillips, Guest Speaker
Doug Phillips is the creator, executive producer, and host of the Emmy award-winning Alabama Public Television series, "Discovering Alabama". For 25 years, it has brought the natural wonders of the state to APT viewers. Join us as Dr. Phillips shares with us his unique experiences of the natural beauty and ecological riches that make Alabama exceptional.
An Introduction to Birds of Prey
Sunday, January 15th, 1:00 & 3:00 p.m. ~ Southeastern Raptor Center, Auburn University
Birds of prey are fascinating and Alabama is home to several species. We are amazed by the specialized adaptations and hunting prowess. Due to popular demand we are offering programs at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Seating is limited and pre-registration is suggested. You may pre-register online after December 11th by visiting www.awrc.org. Remember to bring your camera.
Great Backyard Bird Count ~ Citizen Science You Can Do!
Sunday, February 19th, 2:00 p.m. ~ Greg Harber, Guest Speaker
The GBBC is an annual event enjoyed by many. What's not to like? We get to watch birds - our favorite activity- and be a citizen scientist too! We'll take a moment to outline the purpose and the methodology of the bird count, and then go into the field to conduct our survey. Afterwards we'll return to the auditorium to enter our data online. This will be a good opportunity for teachers and educators to learn how they can teach their students to be scientists too!
Bluebirds Among Us ~ The John Finlday Bluebird Trail
Sunday, March 18th, 2:00 p.m. ~ Patsy Scott, Guest Speaker
Eastern Bluebirds are lovely and beautiful. Their soft, rolling song is a sure sign of spring, and they wear the color of the sky on their back. It's no wonder we find them so endearing! Patsy Scott coordinates the bluebird trail established so long ago by our beloved John Findlay, and she'll teach you everything you'll want to know about bluebirds. She'll even help you get started on tyour own trail!
Hooray for Honeybees ~ Workers in your Garden!
Sunday, April 15th, 2:00 p.m. ~Sallie Lee, Guest Speaker
Honeybees are interesting insects, with their astonishing abilities and complex societies. They make delicious honey, pollinate our crops,and help to make our flowers grow. In this program Sallie will give you a whole new appreciation for this busy little worker in your garden and what you can do to help in their conservation. Come early and sample some honey!
Fabulous Frogs and Terrific Toads ~ Learning the Frogs and Toads of Alabama
Sunday, May 20th, 2:00 p.m. ~ Stephen Glasgow, Guest Speaker
Alabama is home to 30 different species of frogs and toads including the tiny Cricket Frog and the Narrow-mouthed Toad which eats only ants. In this program Stephen Glasgow of Alabama Reptile Rescue Sanctuary will introduce us to many species and their unique adaptations. We'll even learn to identify frogs by their calls and investigate the secrets fo their life cycle.
Programs held at the Alabama Wildlife Center and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center
~ Featuring ~
- Apple cider, punch and cookies. The cider will be hot and ready by 1:30 so come early to enjoy the refreshments and the birds!
- Your questions answered (please note: as far as we are concerned, there are no dumb questions!)
- Wildlife report by Sandra Allinson, Education Director of the Alabama Wildlife Center.
- Friends of Oak Mountain news.
- Interpretive Center updates.
- Alabama's foremost authorities on birding and nature.
- Fabulous door prizes!
- Informal Nature Walk after each program. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guides for a seasonal look at the birds and critters of Oak Mountain State Park.
Sponsored by the Alabama Wildlife Center, Birmingham Audubon Society, Friends of Oak Mountain and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center.
For additional information, contact Greg Harber.
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