There is spectacular biodiversity all around us--though often it is hidden in plain sight.

Perhaps no taxonomic group has captivated the human imagination quite like birds.

In Ancient Greece, oracles looked to birds in the skies to foretell the future. Throughout recorded history, birds have played a symbolic role in art and literature. They fascinate us with their flight, dazzle us with their beauty, and serenade us with song. In this course, you will learn how to find and identify many of the amazing birds that inhabit the forests, fields and ponds of the Berkshires.

There are few other outdoor pursuits that that offer physical, intellectual and spiritual benefits that come quite naturally with learning to notice, identify, and watch birds.

Our aim is for each student to gain a greater connection and appreciation for the natural world through the gateway of bird watching.

Ben Nickley is a scientist with a passion for birds and the ecosystems they are an integral part of. Always fascinated by nature, he got his start in science at Ohio State University where he conducted award-winning research. Since then, Ben has travelled across North America pursuing avian field studies for nonprofits, universities, and state governments—picking up his master’s in biology along the way. He is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and has presented his work at international conferences. Helping others connect with the natural world through birds is his forte and his mission. As director of Berkshire Bird Observatory, Ben furthers bird conservation in our region through science, partnerships and education. Ben feels privileged to have landed in the Berkshires and could not think of a better place to do the work he loves.

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