I'd like to inform the group of a cool opportunity coming up in April. Oglebay Institute is offering a Birding for Beginners weekend, Friday April 29 to Sunday May 1. The weekend takes place at their Mountain Nature Camp in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Oglebay Institute is headquartered in Wheeling, WV and although not Ohio, Terra Alta isn't far...but far enough that many species that will be passing through Ohio at that time will be preparing to breed in the Appalachian Mountains. They want to keep the program limited to beginners. The program content will be basic. They will be going on some great field trips to some of West Virginia's neatest birding spots. The cost of the weekend is only $175! As a young person I learned a lot about birds in the mountains of West Virginia. It is a truly spectacular place and you'll have a wonderful time. I'd like to encourage anyone who is interested to contact Oglebay Institute and inquire about signing up for the weekend. The following is from their official posting: Instructional weekends are back at Terra Alta! Join professors, enthusiastic adventurers and gifted instructors for discovery, exploration, great food and a little music as you build your skill set and form lasting friendships with fellow participants and the West Virginia hills. Amenities at Terra Alta include a bathhouse, full kitchen, dining room and family room areas. Once registered, you will receive a packet via email including mandatory health information forms and detailing necessary items to pack for your adventures. If you have questions, please call Ken Dague at (304) 242-6855. Birding for Beginners Specially geared for those individuals who are new to one of America’s most popular pastimes, this weekend course will focus on birdwatching basics: when/where to birdwatch, gear selection, field guide usage, and of course, ample time searching for and identifying birds local to Terra Alta and surrounding areas. Binoculars and field guides will be provided though participants are welcome to bring their own gear. Ages: 14 - Adult Begins: Friday, April 29 Meets: Friday, April 29 (6:00pm) – Sunday, May 1, (1:00pm) Instructor(s): Scott Albaugh, Erica McGrath, Ken Dague Location: Oglebay Institute Mountain Camp, Terra Alta, WV Fee: $175/$150 OI members ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]