How do you master the Greatest Skill in Birding?

Wow - you probably find that question both exciting and thought-provoking. Many birders will differ in their opinion as to what the greatest skill in birding is. My vote for the greatest skill is “identifying birds by song.” In fact, I've been teaching people how to recognize bird songs for over 30 years. During that time, many of my students and clients have repeatedly asked me to share many of my bird ID skills to a wider audience and so ... at long last, I am doing that!

Beginning 20 Oct 2010 and running thru 1 Dec 2010, I'll be offering a weekly 1-hour Bird Identification Seminar right here on the Internet! You will be able to see AND hear bird songs, bird photos, bird habitats, and ... most importantly ... ways to improve your bird ID skills, especially thru bird songs and call notes.

1. When you register for the webinar, you'll have the opportunity on any of our live calls to request a free copy of my book, "10 Secrets to Identifying Birds".
   
2. To ensure we deliver the best content possible, we are only teaching content that you ask for!
   
3. Finally, on the last call (1 Dec 2010), we will be giving away a free pair of binoculars that is valued at more than $400! You could be the lucky one who receives it ...

As an award-winning author and ornithologist, many of you may know me through the books and software I've produced over the years for nature enthusiasts of all ages, especially children. Anyone who has been on one of my birding tours or free bird walks knows the passion I have for birds. It is with much excitement that I look forward to sharing all of that passion with you over the next few weeks.

To get started, simply visit this web site: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/303828513 to register for the class ... we'll take care of the rest. Remember ... if learning how to identify birds by sight or sound is important to you, I encourage you to sign up for this free class. You'll be glad you did.

The first class starts on 20 October 2010 and will be offered weekly through early December. I look forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards,

/s/ John C. Robinson
President, on My Mountain, Inc.

Winter Finch Forecast for 2010-2011. Purple Finches and Common Redpolls are expected to irrupt into the northern US this winter. Along with this invasion comes the opportunity to find the elusive Hoary Redpoll.  These are among the findings released last month by Ron Pittaway with the Ontario Field Ornithologists as part of his Annual Winter Finch Forecast.

In particular, we should expect to see a southward movement of Purple Finches this fall because their food supplies are not as abundant in the northern regions of the continent. This is welcome news as I remember how numerous Purple Finches were in the 1980’s throughout the mid-west (compared to today following a couple decades of population declines).  Listen for the hollow, pipe-like “cheek” – the characteristic call note that lets you know Purple Finches are nearby.

Just as exciting is the prediction that Common Redpolls will move south this year. A treasure among winter finches, the Common Redpoll is a bird I first discovered about 30 years ago in a shrubby field in northwest Missouri. Compare it closely to Pine Siskins and House Finches – its red fore-crown and dark areas around the bill / in front of the eye are diagnostic traits.

Be sure to study your Common Redpolls closely, and with huge doses of patience: persistence is what it takes to locate the odd Hoary Redpoll that might grace your back yard this winter! The further north you are, the greater chance you have of seeing a Hoary Redpoll – the last Hoary I saw was in Iowa.

Pine Siskins may not be that numerous in the northeast US this year, but a small chance for southward movement may exist in the west.

For all the details of Ron Pittaway’s Annual Winter Finch Forecast, please click through on this link.

Birding & Photographic Safari in South Africa: March 19 – 31, 2011. We are currently accepting registrants for this unique adventure to South Africa. By popular request, the emphasis on this tour will be a mixture of birding and photography. Email John as soon as possible for a complete itinerary and prices!

This safari will begin in Cape Town on Sunday, March 20, 2011, where you will spend four nights. Highlights will include visits to a penguin colony and botanical gardens; and you can expect to see a variety of sunbirds.

On March 24, you will transfer to Johannesburg and spend three nights in the Gauteng area where you will have access to nature reserves and other destinations popular with birders and nature enthusiasts.

This will be followed by four nights spent at the Kruger National Park – one of the most popular safari destinations in South Africa! You arrive on March 27 and will enjoy plenty of opportunities for game drives and birding.

On March 31, you have the option of returning home or staying on for an additional four nights at Victoria Falls and the Chobe Game Reserve.

Our previous trips to South Africa have uncovered 394 species of birds. Because the emphasis on this trip will be a mixture of birding and nature photography, you may see slightly fewer bird species. However, to get a flavor of the immense diversity of wildlife in South Africa, take a look at the List of Species Seen during our last trip to this beautiful country!

If you are interested in going on this tour, please email John as soon as possible for a complete itinerary and prices! These tours tend to fill quickly, so we are happy to answer any questions you might have while there is still time for you to make a decision.