Thomas Bancroft will present five 90-minute online sessions, September to October, on Raptors of Washington for Whidbey Audubon Society.
What is more alluring than an eagle or osprey, especially in the act of catching prey or soaring in the sky? There are 19 species of raptors regularly occurring in Washington State. These birds are fascinating with interesting and unique behaviors. These different sessions will satisfy your longing to know more about the eagles, ospreys, hawks, harriers, falcons, vultures, and kites that live here.
Thomas will be covering the characteristics, behaviors, and biology that will help you identify these marvelous birds. He may even come to Whidbey to do some bird trips focused on raptors later in the year. If so, we’ll put information on this website about how to participate. In the meantime, he will provide detailed information on trips that you can do yourself to become more knowledgeable. He will give lots of additional information through Google Classroom. A great class – don’t miss it! Cost is only $100 for all five classes.
Zoom presentations will be on successive Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 PM PST, September 7, 14, 21, 28, and October 5.
Sessions will be recorded and available to registered students for approximately six months.
Registration will close at 12:00 PM PST, September 7th, the day of the first session. We will email you your Zoom link shortly after registration closes and prior to the start of the session. Contact president@whidbeyaudubonsociety,org with any questions about the class. Contact help@whidbeyaudubonsociety.org with any other issues.
Registration is Closed
About Thomas Bancroft
Birds have been a big part of Thomas Bancroft’s life since childhood, both recreationally and professionally. Their identification, ecology, behavior, and systematics were central parts of his undergraduate and graduate schooling and remain a fundamental interest. He earned his Ph.D. in Ornithology, and incorporated working at the bird laboratory at Carnegie Museum, and studying Florida Scrub-Jays, Blue Jays, and Boat-tailed Grackles in graduate school. His fieldwork for National Audubon aided the conservation plan and later as Chief Scientist, Thomas helped National Audubon integrate their work with Birdlife International's work all across the Americas.
Thomas has birded in 48 states, several Canadian provinces, and on six continents, and has identified more than 560 species in the United States and slightly over 2,000 worldwide. His professional career has focused on protecting birds, restoration of habitat and populations, and the integration of science into policy.
Tom is a Scientific Advisor to BirdNote, served 6-years on Washington Audubon's board, volunteers for the Washington Ornithological Society and is the chair of the Naturalist Group at the Mountaineers.