Warbler watching workshop at Delta Rivers Nature Center

June 12, 2018

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

PINE BLUFF – Join naturalist John Redman for an hour-and-a-half of amazing photography and tips to find some of nature’s most flamboyant feathered creatures beginning at 1 p.m., June 16 at the Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff.

Redman, an amateur bird photographer from Pine Bluff, says many people will drive all over the country to catch a peek at some species, but some of the best birdwatching opportunities may be right outside your window. Every photograph he will share during the presentation has been taken in The Natural State. In fact, every image was captured within the confines of Jefferson County.

“This presentation will include techniques for observing and photographing warblers, which he calls ‘Little jewels of nature,’” said Lori Monday, education specialist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at the nature center. “He’ll also point out some good times and locations within Jefferson County to up your odds at finding particular species.”

Monday says Redman is very knowledgeable and extremely entertaining, which makes him a perfect leader for the workshop.

“You’ll learn so much and he makes it where you never get tired of hearing about his favorite birds,” Monday said.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 45 million people watch birds around their homes and away from home, contributing nearly $80 billion annually to the U.S. economy through equipment purchases and trip expenses. But Monday says the real appeal of birdwatching is that you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment or a hefty travel budget to get started.

“People may travel thousands of miles to find a painted bunting. But you could literally drive a mile or two and find one if you know where and when to look,” Monday said. “You can even sit in the comfort of your car and enjoy bird watching, if you know where and when to look. That’s the sort of thing Redman will be teaching people who attend the workshop.”

Monday says the warbler workshop is the first of a few workshops Redman is scheduled to teach in the near future.

“He will even have a class on where to find shorebirds you commonly associate with the coast right here in central Arkansas,” Monday said. “We will update our Facebook page as we get closer to those class dates.”

Visit www.deltarivers.com for more information on events at the Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AGFC.DRNC.