Youth & Adult Bird Watching

Spring & Summer

drawing birds in nature

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Perfect for nature and/or art enthusiasts! This class will guide you through the techniques needed to capture the elegance and detail of birds, while also getting to enjoy all the benefits of nature. We’ll cover basic bird identification characteristics and then develop our drawing techniques as we sketch birds using photographs and real-life observation. Bring binoculars (not required, but helpful), drawing supplies (paper, clipboard, journal, pencil, pen, coloring tools, etc.) and an easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. All artistic and bird watching skill levels are welcome!

  • Register Here (Registration Opens Jan 20)
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, May 23
  • Time: 9:00am-11:00am
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - 84th Ave Entrance)

birding upper for beginners

8 Yr Olds-Adults

Interested in learning more about bird watching? Come explore the Upper Macatawa Natural Area with a naturalist guide and learn about the basics of bird watching, different bird species that inhabit these spaces, binocular techniques, and helpful tips to identify the birds we see. You’re welcome to come to one session or enjoy all three sessions as a series! Participants are asked to bring a pair of binoculars (not required, but helpful). The path is accessible for wheelchairs. All experience levels are welcome!

  • Register Here (Registration Opens Jan 20)
  • Cost: $15r/$30nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Session 1: Sat, May 24 | 9:00am-10:15am | 84th Ave Entrance | River Path
  • Session 2:  Sat, May 31 | 9:00am-10:15am | 76th Ave Entrance
  • Session 3: Sat, June 14 | 9:00am-10:15am | 84th Ave Entrance | Meadow Path

  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland)