Birding by Ear: Harry Griffen Regional Park

Sunday, October 19

9 - 11 a

Birding by Ear for Beginners (and the Rest of Us!) at Harry Griffen Regional Park

Part 2: Learn the Most Common Kinds of Sounds

Leader: Willow Eichler

Learn to enjoy and identify birds by ear! This skill allows you to more easily identify the birds that are all around you, especially when they are hiding under cover in chaparral or high up in riparian woodland treetops. On our walk, we will stop frequently and really listen in order to understand the different kinds of sounds birds make. We will identify birds as we hear them, with this outing focused specifically on understanding the types of calls we are hearing and how birds use different types of sounds to communicate.

Bring binoculars, hats, sunscreen, and water. The trail is relatively flat: Some slight up and down, but mostly flat and wide trails all around the lake. Substrate is a mix of concrete, asphalt, and soil/sand (looser soils avoidable as necessary by ability). Restroom facilities with flush toilets and water fountains are available. There are several shaded benches that we can sit and observe from, if desired.

From National Audubon's article "A Beginner’s Guide to Common Bird Sounds and What They Mean," the second article in a series on Birding by Ear: "There’s a birdy party raging outdoors. It's loud, it's raucous, and for the untrained ear, it's often incoherent. But don't fret. With a little practice, you can begin decoding all those songs and calls, which will in turn give you remarkable insights into the species around you. Honing your birding ear can also reveal hidden details in the field."

Capped at 12 participants. Registration required.

Location Details:

Harry Griffen Regional Park

9550 Milden St

La Mesa, CA 91942

We will meet in the main parking lot off Washington St. Continue past the provided address to find a large lot. We will meet near the accessible parking spaces close to the dog park.