Published: November 05, 2009 12:40 pm      

SFA Gardens to Host Bird Watching Seminar

The SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center will host a two-part garden seminar “How to Identify and Attract a Flock of Backyard Birds” on November 13 from 6:30-7:30 pm and on November 14 from 7:00-9:00 am. Participants will enjoy a Friday evening lecture with Cliff Shackelford, ornithologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, about bird identification and common local birds. On Saturday morning, Cliff will lead a leisurely birding stroll to the Shackelford home near the Pineywoods Native Plant Center to visit their backyard that is “for the birds.”



Cliff Shackelford is a 4th generation Texan and started bird watching at the early age of nine. He holds both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in biology with an emphasis in avian ecology from Stephen F. Austin State University and has authored over 50 publications on birds and birding. He is the first author of the book Hummingbirds of Texas that was published in September 2005 by Texas A&M University Press.



Participants will meet for both sessions at the Tucker House at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and binoculars are available for first-time birders that don’t bring them. Cost is $15 for members of SFA Garden Friends and $20 for non-members. To register, call the SFA Gardens Education Office at 936-468-1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu.