The Audubon Kern River Preserve will hold another of its free monthly family nature explorations on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. Come learn how to identify the dozens of species of birds in Kern River Valley backyards from Alison Sheehey, Outreach Director at the Audubon Kern River Preserve. More about the class below the fold:

This will be an interactive three-part workshop.

1. Binocular use (please bring your binoculars if you have them... we have some to borrow if you don't own a pair). Many people find it frustrating to see through binoculars. There are four simple yet critical steps to make it a joyous experience. You will be taken through these steps.

2. Watching birds and seeing field marks are two different things. Many of us learn to see the whole bird and put a name on it. That works but takes a long time. Learn how to observe different parts of birds to create the whole picture and then use a field guide to find the bird.

3. After learning how to use a field guide… take a walk with an expert, learn birding etiquette and get help identifying any species seen.

For those interested, after a lunch break we can visit some of the hot spots around Isabella Reservoir to see more species. Please RSVP for this part of the session.

Monthly events are free and appropriate for ages 5 and up. All interested persons (children are welcome but those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

All of the Friends of the Kern River Preserve events are held outdoors at the Audubon Kern River Preserve headquarters. Please dress for cold to warm weather, bring drinks, a picnic lunch, sunscreen and bug spray.

Binoculars, camera and a field guide are always a good idea if you have them.

For more information please contact us at 1-760-378-2029 or krpfriends@audubon.org.

WHO: Audubon Kern River Preserve

WHAT: Introduction to Bird Watching - Free Monthly Nature Exploration

WHEN: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 9am-11am

WHERE: 18747 Highway 178, Weldon, CA 93283

COST: FREE

Directions to the preserve:

18747 Highway 178

Weldon, CA 93283

On State Highway 178, the preserve is 57 miles east of Highway 99 in Bakersfield and 30 miles west of Highway 14 near Inyokern.

Look for a large Audubon California sign at the entrance to the Kern River Preserve.

The entrance is 100 feet west of Kelso Valley Road.

Turn on the dirt easement road… drive 0.2 miles to the parking area inside the forest.

Look for Lake Isabella on a map if you are coming from outside the immediate area.