Bird Academy courses? (2 Viewers)

[Zakk]

Does anyone know if these courses are worthwhile to birding beginners? The courses can be pricey, so I'm thinking if I should invest in a few courses in addition to a book like Sibley's Guide to Birds. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

Does anyone know if these courses are worthwhile to birding beginners? The courses can be pricey, so I'm thinking if I should invest in a few courses in addition to a book like Sibley's Guide to Birds. Any advice is appreciated.

If it helps, there are free courses on YouTube.

There's an Aussie bloke who I particularly like: a professional photographer, Chris Bray. He gives you the information you need while not losing the point that it's meant to be enjoyable.

As a beginner also, there is a huge amount to learn, and as a result you could quite easily get lost in the technical aspects; and so it's useful to listen to someone who knows what he's talking about while not overdoing it.

 

[RubyRobin]

I'm curious about this too.. I went ahead and ordered the first course for my mother for mothers' day, so i will get a review sometime in the next week or two. Is there no one here who's tried these courses?

 

[samedwards233]

Does anyone know if these courses are worthwhile to birding beginners? The courses can be pricey, so I'm thinking if I should invest in a few courses in addition to a book like Sibley's Guide to Birds. There is plenty online you can learn from for nothing. YouTube is the best place to start, the RSPB website has lots of info, birdforum, loads of alternative resources, so save your money.

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

I'm curious about this too.. I went ahead and ordered the first course for my mother for mothers' day, so i will get a review sometime in the next week or two. Is there no one here who's tried these courses?

The Aussie bloke I mentioned works for National Geographic and from what I can gather has won various awards. He has various courses on-line, free, and he has a style that's worth listening to. He pretty much says: "here's my advice, if it doesn't work never mind, just enjoy it and try again".

 

[RubyRobin]

The Aussie bloke I mentioned works for National Geographic and from what I can gather has won various awards. He has various courses on-line, free, and he has a style that's worth listening to. He pretty much says: "here's my advice, if it doesn't work never mind, just enjoy it and try again".

I believe I looked at him and it was about photography, not birding generally or bird behavior and ecology, which is more of my interest.

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

I believe I looked at him and it was about photography, not birding generally or bird behavior and ecology, which is more of my interest.

Fair enough. I assumed the OP was talking about photographing birds.

 

[Dr. K]

I have found the "be a better birder" series of courses from the cornell lab to be very interesting and yes, help me to ID birds very much. They are pricey, but after you finish your first one you get a 20% discount on a second if you fill out a feedback survey.

 

[Leander]

I am an intermediate birder well on the beginner side of that word. have used the Bird Song Basics-Birding by Ear, Sparrows, and Shorebirds courses. I agree they are pricey. I have definitely gotten value from both the Sparrows and the Shorebirds courses-I keep returning to them again and again, and I get a little better with each refresh.

Important to note that these are most valuable for birders in the United States and Canada. I think birders elsewhere would be disappointed that their local birds are not included.