Learning bird songs

Frank Gallo teaches birding by ear programs at the Connecticut Audubon Society's Coastal Center at Milford Point.

He starts with simple mnemonics before moving on to tone, pitch, pattern, and pace of various bird calls.

Birding for Beginners
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7–9 p.m. (classroom)
Sat., Oct. 15, 9-11:30 a.m. (field trip)
earn the basics for identifying birds on your own! During this fun and comprehensive hands-on course, longtime instructor and expert birder Frank Gallo will teach you ID skills as well as how to choose and use field guides and binoculars, and where to find birds locally. The course culminates with a field trip to a local birding “hot spot”. No experience is necessary. Bring the “Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds.” (Field guides are available for sale at the Coastal Center.) Meet at the Center at Milford Point. Fee: $75/person. Call Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502 to register.

Birding By Ear
Wednesday, October 19, 7 – 9 p.m.
Birdsong can be an incredible aid to finding and identifying birds. Instructor Frank Gallo, an avid student of birdsong, has created a challenging new program designed to give students practice with identifying similar sounding birds. Group participation is encouraged. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point. Fee: $35