Learn to identify the birds in your back yard at classes in Edmonds

Published 12:17 am Saturday, February 13, 2010

Candy Brown has always had a passion for backyard bird-watching.

But whenever she attended classes to expand her knowledge, things always seemed just a bit over her head.

That’s why, in 2001, shortly after Brown retired from the banking industry, she started doing research to teach classes of her own.

Since then, the 55-year-old Edmonds woman has developed a variety of popular bird classes for beginners, offered year-round, primarily through Edmonds Parks, Recreation &Cultural Services.

“Backyard Birds” is next, on Feb. 24, followed by “Gardens for Birds” on April 14. She’ll offer “Birds Are Awesome!” for ages 4 and older in the fall.

In “Backyard Birds,” Brown will help students identify about 20 common species. She’ll reveal details about their anatomy, migration, reproduction, favorite foods and foraging techniques, plus a bit about how to create a bird-friendly back yard.

One tip she’s likely to share: If you want to feed and attract more birds, don’t waste your time with bird mixes. Go with a 100 percent black oil sunflower seed mix.

“That’s the best food to feed any of the birds,” Brown said. “Birds will pick out the seeds they’re interested in anyway.”

Also, if you’re been trying to use North American guidebooks to identify the birds in your back yard, don’t.

You’ll have much better luck with local guides, including Brown’s favorites: “Birds of the Puget Sound Region” by Bob Morse and the “National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Washington &Oregon.”

Brown’s experience with birds goes beyond her own back yard.

She started volunteering at the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lynnwood in the late 1990s, and has seen many sick and injured birds brought in for rescue since then.

“People love Candy’s classes,” said Sally Lider, environmental education coordinator for Edmonds Parks &Recreation. “She is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about our local backyard birds; and she is expert at interpreting the facts for all different age levels.”

Classes coming up

Candy Brown will present two classes on common local birds through Edmonds Parks, Recreation &Cultural Services.

“Backyard Birds” for ages 10 and older will cover 20 common species, from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24. Cost is $14.

“Gardens for Birds” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 14 will explain how to attract 50 different species of birds to your yard. Ages 12 and older are welcome. Cost is $12.