Waterfowl ID Class and Field Practice

Waterfowl ID Class
Instructors: Dee Fairbanks-Simpson and David Simpson, owners of Birding with David Simpson

There are 29 species of ducks that have been found on MINWR. How many can you identify?

David and Dee will share their expertise and experience in a class room presentation followed by a short field trip to try out your new skills. You will gain some tips and tricks on how to identify ducks in flight and on the water and how to separate confusing brown females. In addition to how to identify the species, you will learn when and where to find them on the refuge and status of each species.

Education portion of the program will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium at the Merritt Island NWR. Following the presentation Dee & David will lead the group to areas of the Refuge to practice ID skills. Space Coast Audubon has a Special Use Permit for this program which enables our group to utilize some areas not open to the public. Protocols and requirements of the Permit will be shared during the session. Participants will not be allowed to play any recordings or audio sounds outside of the classroom.

**What to Bring:** Binoculars, refillable water bottle, sun protection
**Fee:** Program is free. The Field practice may include a visit to one of the Wildlife Drives (Bio Lab or Black Point) which have a fee of $10/vehicle. Free for America the Beautiful and Merritt Island NWR pass holders and Duck Stamp holder.
**Logistics:** Restrooms and a water refill station are available inside the Visitor Center. Waterfowl ID and Birds of Central FL identification field guides are available for purchase at the Gift Shop inside the Visitor Center. Program participates receive a 10% discount on all purchases.