Field Ornithology
Mon–Fri May 18–22, 2026
Instructor: Chip Darmstadt
$1200 (with lodging) / $900 (without lodging)
12 Students | Meals Included
At The Creative Campus at Goddard in Plainfield, VT
Vermont is home to close to 200 species of breeding birds. They are ubiquitous and conspicuous in every ecosystem in the state, and their fascinating behavior is readily observed. In this field-based course, you’ll develop a breadth of knowledge and skills to identify and better understand Vermont’s common and not-so-common birdlife.
This course will cover the natural history of birds in Vermont, with a focus on techniques to observe and identify species in the field. Topics will include avian taxonomy and anatomy, breeding and migratory behaviors, and strategies in avian conservation. We’ll explore wetlands, fields, forests, and lakes to see how various species adapt to the challenges presented by different ecosystems. We’ll investigate the diets, foraging ecology, and predator-prey relationships of resident birds, while we seek out species using our local natural areas as migratory stopovers.
A major focus of the course will be the identification of species by sight and sound by scrutinizing field marks and decoding birdsong. You will gain skills to observe and identify birds on your own, to participate in citizen science, and to share your newfound knowledge with others.
Course Details
Goals and Objectives
- Become familiar with the diversity and classification of Vermont bird species
- Explore external avian anatomy
- Practice identification skills, both visually and by ear
- Understand habitat needs and ecological requirements of Vermont bird species
- Gain an understanding of conservation issues facing Vermont’s avifauna over time
- Practice methods for recording bird observations (including uploading media) using eBird
- Practice basic methods for sound recording
About the Instructor
Chip Darmstadt is the former executive director and current “birding ambassador” of North Branch Nature Center. His passion for birds and the environment started with avian field work in Ontario, Costa Rica and Venezuela, and eventually led Chip to directing NBNC for over two decades. In between writing grants and running staff meetings, Chip found time to band Northern Saw-whet Owls, mentor teen birders in the World Series of Birding and lead birding walks, workshops, and international trips. Now as co-owner of FlyAway Birding, Chip is organizing and leading birding trips around the world.
Recommended Reading
- The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America; David Allen Sibley.
- The Singing Life of Birds; Donald Kroodsma
- The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior; David Allen Sibley
Meals
Meals are provided by the chef and kitchen at the Creative Campus at Goddard. Meals (including coffee and tea) between lunch on Monday morning and breakfast on Friday are included. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Bring your own snacks.
Lodging
Newly-renovated, dormitory-style lodging is available from Monday though Thursday nights at The Creative Campus at Goddard. Additional nights can likely be accommodated. Participants will have their own room, with shared bathroom facilities.
Location & Timing
Course begins 9 AM on Monday at the Creative Campus at Goddard in Plainfield, VT (location). Each day’s lessons conclude by 5 pm, though there will be an evening excursion on one evening to observe courting American Woodcock. Tuesday-Friday mornings will start earlier in the morning at a time of the instructor’s choosing in order to take advantage of prime birding hours. The course concludes late morning on Friday.
Physical Requirements
Participants must be able to walk 2-3 miles over the course of each day, sometimes off trail over uneven and potentially muddy terrain. Participants should be comfortable outside in potentially hot, muggy, wet, and/or buggy conditions for long periods of time. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about mobility and/or other accessibility needs.
Academic Credit & Professional Development
This course may qualify for 3 graduate-level credits for an additional $450 course fee. All BioU courses are accredited by Vermont State University’s Center for Schools. Participants interested in receiving credit must contact us immediately after registration so we have time to arrange course accreditation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that home institutions will accept the credit. Participants pursuing academic credit will be required to complete an additional assignment above and beyond the course hours, including literature review, reflective writing, or a field-based project.
This course qualifies for 40 hours of professional development hours and continuing education units. Certificates of completion are provided upon request at the conclusion of the course.
Cancellation Policy
While we realize that unexpected circumstances arise that are out of our control, North Branch Nature Center cannot guarantee refunds for registrations cancelled within 30 days of the course. If a cancellation occurs within this window, NBNC will attempt to fill the space from our wait list and provide a full refund. If the course needs to be cancelled by NBNC, we will provide a full refund.
Financial Support
We have financial support available for most courses! Please head to our Financial Support page to learn more and request financial support. Support is limited, but we do our best to make sure that participants are not turned away for financial reasons. Since many courses fill quickly, we suggest submitting your financial support request after registering for the course if you are able. Or you may email us after submitting your request to ask us to temporarily hold a space for you.