Rick Wright
Specialized classes with and nature festival field trips with Rick Wright usually start at $30, so don’t miss the chance to learn from this ‘Ornithologist in Residence’ Aug. 6-8 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
The New Jersey author is donating his time to raise awareness of the Arboretum, and funds for the gardens. Three days of guiding early morning walks and specialized classes are included with $12.50 daily admission ($5 for ages 5-12); free to Arboretum annual members and Arizona State Parks pass-holders. Confirm details at cals.arizona.edu/bta; or at facebook.com/btarboretum
Cardinal, January 2017 by Brendon Grice
Rick Wright is well-known as a leader at Victor Emanuel Nature Tours and author of the American Birding Association’s Field Guide to Birds of Arizona. Raised in Nebraska, Rick studied French, German, philosophy, and life sciences there before earning higher degrees at Harvard and Princeton. He is also the author of the American Birding Association’s field guides to birds of New Jersey, and of the Peterson Reference Guide to North American sparrows. A prolific contributor to the birding literature and a sought-after lecturer on the nature festival circuit, his Arboretum events are included with admission – Rick’s goal is to boost BTA visitation during a slower season. Check out Rick’s website http://birdaz.com/blog/author/rick/
Join the author for these:
• Monday, Aug. 6, Bird Walk 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
“Join me for an early morning exploration of the birds of this desert oasis. We’ll walk slowly on flat paths, pausing frequently to look at what we can expect to be a wide variety of breeders and migrants, from dazzling hummingbirds to rollicking woodpeckers and chats. We may also spend time just sitting at some of the park’s water features — letting the birds find us. Bring a notebook and pencil, a good hat and sunscreen, and plenty of water. After a break, join me in the Lecture room for “Figuring out the birds” – a presentation at 9:30 a.m.”
• Monday, Aug. 6, “Figuring Out the Birds” indoor workshop, 9:30-11 a.m. (no additional charge, included with $12.50 admission!).
Join Rick Wright for a cool indoor look into the history of our favorite pastime. Where does all the knowledge in the bird books come from, and who first put it all together? And what can we learn ourselves by retracing the steps of our ornithological forebears? His informal workshop is included with $12.50 daily admission, and will teach you how to go beyond the field guides to get to know the people and the puzzles behind North American birding as we know it today.
• Tuesday, Aug. 7: “Bird Sit” from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
“Don’t want to walk? Let’s sit and watch birds for two peaceful hours! We’ll install ourselves at one of the park’s irresistible water features, with convenient nearby parking – just a short walk, or wheelchair roll, away. We’ll wait for the birds to come to us, hoping for great views of Yellow and Lucy’s Warblers, Anna’s and perhaps Costa’s Hummingbirds, Abert’s Towhees, and Hooded Orioles; this time of year is always great for a surprise, too. Bring a notebook and pencil, a good hat and sunscreen, and plenty of water.”
• Tuesday, Aug. 7: Sparrows?!? 9:30-11 a.m. (no additional charge, included with $12.50 admission!)
The author of the Peterson Reference Guide to North American Sparrows, invites you for a cool indoor introduction to North America’s most fascinating birds, the sparrows. Yes, the sparrows! They’re not nearly as difficult and not nearly as dull as birderly tradition would have it. In addition to some identification secrets, we’ll learn about the natural and human history of these birds. You’ll never look at a sparrow the same way again.
• Wednesday, Aug. 8: Bird Walk 6:30 to 8 a.m.
“We’ll walk slowly on flat paths, pausing frequently to look at what we can expect to be a wide variety of breeders and migrants, from dazzling hummingbirds to rollicking woodpeckers and chats. Bring a notebook and pencil, hat and sunscreen, and plenty of water.”