The distinctive chirp of a bird in spring is a familiar joy to many people. Would you like to identify less common birds? Try this introduction to identifying birdsongs and other sounds of nature, developed especially for visually impaired people.
Course: CRE-201, Media: C, Lessons: 4
A Birdsong Tutor
Course No: C-RE-201
Audience
Adult Continuing Education Program and High School Program
Course Description
An introduction to identification of birdsongs and sounds of nature in various settings, developed especially for visually impaired persons by the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology.
Course Details
There are four assignments, in which you report your own experiences with the course.
Media
Cassette
Organization
Four lessons
Credit
None
Prerequisites
An interest in birds and a desire to learn more about them
Grading
Satisfactory/unsatisfactory
Average Completion Time
Four to six months
Course Materials
Four cassettes
Objectives And Content
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- identify a wide range of birdsongs and other nature sounds
- use your knowledge to more fully enjoy the outdoors
Lesson 1
This lesson introduces you to the diversity of natural sounds (pitch, quality, timing). It explains how and why natural sounds are produced, both vocal and nonvocal. It prepares you for the seasonal and daily variation in natural sounds and suggests how to learn and remember natural sounds. When you complete this lesson, you will be able to describe a walk outdoors and count the number of familiar bird sounds and calls and the number of new sounds you learned.
Lesson 2
In this lesson, you explore many different habitats: city and suburban settings; farm and field in the morning and evening; stream, swamp, marsh, and lake; deep forest; north woods; and ocean coastline. When you complete this lesson, you will be able to describe one of your experiences with bird watching or listening.
Lesson 3
In this lesson, you learn to use natural sounds to evoke mental images of your surroundings. When you complete this lesson, you will be able to describe what you have been inspired to do since your introduction to the fascinating world of birds.
Lesson 4
The lesson guides you toward resources for learning more about natural sounds. When you complete this lesson, you will be able to describe a peak birding experience, the one birding event you will always remember and cherish.
Course Details
