In this outdoor workshop led by J.R. Rigby and other DWB team members, we’ll enjoy winter grassland birds (such as Sedge Wren), and we’ll focus on identification of sparrows. This subtle and beautiful group of birds can be difficult to identify, but we’ll help you focus on key characteristics, including unique vocalizations. You will also receive a take home quick ID guide for later use. We will strive to find 7+ sparrow species, including the beautiful and elusive LeConte’s Sparrow. Nothing is guaranteed in birding, but we have some fairly reliable spots for this species, and we will have a pretty good shot at it.

We will meet at 8:00 a.m., in the parking lot just northeast of Lost Pizza in Oxford, MS (located at 7102 College Hill Rd, Oxford, MS 38655). Click here for a Google Maps link. The parking lot is to the right, as you approach Lost Pizza from the front. From there, we’ll caravan together to the nearby Sardis Waterfowl Refuge to seek sparrows and other grassland birds, focusing on sparrow identification. We will likely finish by noon, but regardless, lunch will be on your own, so please bring plenty of your own food and drink to keep you refreshed while birding, and bring LOTS of layers of warm clothes. If you have comfortable rubber boots, we recommend wearing them, as we may have some opportunities to tromp through wet areas looking for Le Conte’s Sparrow.

The trip is free, but registration is required and space is limited—please click the “Purchase” button below. If you have difficulty with the registration process, please send us an e-mail (dwindbirds@gmail.com). To make an optional donation to support our conservation and outreach programs, please click here.