This semester Sacramento City College is offering Introduction to Ornithology taught by Stan Wright. The class was recommended to SAS members by local birder, Chris Conard. Chris had this to say about Stan and the course, “Stan is a great teacher and the only person I know of who has an on-going bird banding effort in the Sacramento area. Birding and ornithology are not the same thing, but it's great for birders to have a grounding in ornithology and there is no limit to what can be learned about birds.” 

Anyone can take the class, even if you have never taken any classes with Sacramento City College. You do have to register as a Sacramento City College Student but there are no pre-requisites. You can find out how to register and more information about the class here or contact Stan Wright at wrights2@scc.losrios.edu. A complete description of the course follows.

Biology 332: Introduction to Ornithology
Spring Semester 2023 at Sacramento City College

January 14, 2023 to May 18, 2023

Lectures: Tues/Thurs 4:30 – 5:50 pm
(Lecture material will also be available online)

Lab: Thurs 6:00 – 9:05 pm

This course is designed as an introduction of many of the fascinating topics within the field of ornithology – the study of birds. Topics include avian evolution, adaptations for flight, physiological systems, conservation issues facing birds, and a wide array of behaviors ranging from social behavior to reproduction. In the bird labs, our focus will be on learning the characteristics of the major taxonomic Orders of birds, and learning to identify some species found in the western United States, especially California. By the end of this course, you will have gained a broad understanding of avian ecology and behavior. Our plan is that you will become a better observer of the natural world and that your environment will seem richer thanks to an increased awareness of birdlife.