AT: Raptor Flight Identification Workshop

Bill Clark is a photographer, author, researcher, and lecturer and has over 50 years of experience working with birds of prey, including 5 years as Director of NWF’s Raptor Information Center. He has published numerous articles on raptor subjects; has traveled extensively world-wide studying, observing, and photographing raptors; and regularly led raptor and birding tours and workshops, both home and abroad. Bill regularly teaches evening and weekend courses on raptor field identification and biology in the US and Canada. He has written a raptor field guide for Europe and another for Mexico and Central America and yet another for Africa is in press. He is a coauthor of the Photographic Guide to North American Raptors and the completely revised Peterson series guide, Hawks. He has on-going research projects on Harlan’s Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, and Harris’s Hawk.

Start the weekend off with a free keynote talk on Friday evening about raptors of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. In this illustrated talk, Bill will discuss raptors of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, with extensive coverage of Aplomado Flacon, Gray Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, Harris’s Hawk, and Hook-billed Kite. He will show photos of many raptors in hand and will discuss their vocalizations and aspects of their biology. We will have Bill’s books on hand so you can purchase a copy and get them signed. This event is free to attend, though donations are appreciated.

On Saturday, October 12, 2019, Bill will present a series of lectures on how to identify raptors in flight. Each student will be given a handout with a course outline and notes on the subjects to be covered which include field marks, shape, measurements, terminology, feathers, molt, and raptor flight identification. All expected species at Smith Point will be covered including vultures, Osprey, Northern Harrier, accipiters, buteos, eagles, kites, and falcons. Bill will also address unusual plumages that you might encounter. Lunch will be provided on Saturday.

On Sunday, October 13, 2019, participants will meet at Smith Point for an in-field session with Bill to put into practice everything from the previous day. In addition, Robert and Kay Lookingbill will trap raptors locally for an up close and personal look at raptors in the hand. There are no services at Smith Point. Bring your lunch, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, camera, spotting scope, and plenty to drink. Bill will provide the rest!

The Cost for Saturday and Sunday is $150 per person (non-refundable), and proceeds will benefit the Smith Point Hawk Watch. Please call GCBO at 979-480-0999 to reserve your spot and make payment.

Keynote talk: Friday, October 11, 2019: 7:30- until at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 Hwy 332 West, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

Workshop schedule:

Saturday, October 12, 2019: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 Hwy 332 West, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Sunday, October 13, 2019: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (or until the flight stops) at the Smith Point Hawk Watch.