Birder’s Certificate Program

Take your birding to a higher level

Download our brochure, program description and program schedule*

About the Program
The Joppa Flats Education Center and Massachusetts Audubon Society offer the Birder’s Certificate Program as a key component in our on-going efforts to provide the finest educational programs. We developed the certificate program in collaboration with college faculty, experienced birders, and professional ornithologists. The program is equivalent to an undergraduate level ornithology course, with the addition of extensive field time and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Goals
The program’s primary goals are to:

• develop the ornithological knowledge base of birders,
• demonstrate ways birders can contribute to the scientific study of birds,
• encourage closer collaboration between birders and professional ornithologists,
• develop a cadre of skilled program and trip leaders,
• provide professional development opportunities for Mass Audubon staff, and
• contribute to the conservation of birds and to the protection of the nature of Massachusetts.

Who Should Take This Course?
The audience for this program includes birders who want to go beyond simple field identification, nature enthusiasts who want to gain an in-depth knowledge of bird life, and natural history program leaders who want to gain scientific insight into their work.

Registration
The Birder’s Certificate Program Director is Dr. David M. Larson. The office is located in the Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport, Massachusetts. All registration queries and applications should be directed to that office.

Class size is limited to 18 participants.

Birder’s Certificate Program
Joppa Flats Education Center
P.O. Box 1558
Newburyport, MA 01950

Fax: 978-462-4143
Telephone: 978-462-9998
E-mail: dlarson@massaudubon.org