Are you curious about nature? Do you want to tune into the rhythms of the world around you? Birdwatching is an enjoyable, affordable, relaxing and endlessly rewarding way to connect more deeply with the outdoors. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this fun and interactive seven-part series will introduce you to the tools, techniques, and wonders of birding - from spotting your first chickadee to recognizing warblers by their songs. Each 90 min class stands alone and can be taken independently. This series is geared toward adults and teens, will be classroom-based, and is open to all levels of birding experience!

Class 6: Attracting & Supporting Birds

Make your yard a haven! Learn how to attract birds with native plants, feeders, water sources, and habitat design. We’ll also cover a wide range of other actions you can take to protect birds and their habitats.

• Gardening for habitat - native landscaping and creating bird-friendly yards
• The do’s and don’ts of bird feeders
• Other ways to help birds - bird safe glass, shade grown coffee, curtailing the impact of outdoor cats and more!
• Survey of conservation groups supporting birds

About the instructor

Christie Constantine is a passionate environmentalist, educator, and lifelong nature enthusiast dedicated to helping people connect more deeply with the natural world. As a certified Maine Master Naturalist, she combines scientific knowledge with a love of storytelling to inspire curiosity, understanding, and action in support of nature. Christie currently serves as Board Chair of Friends of BirdLife International, a global partnership of over 120 environmental organizations widely recognized as the world leader in bird conservation, and is also member of BirdLife’s Global Governing Council. She also serves as Board Secretary of BirdNote, a nonprofit media organization that uses sound-rich storytelling to spark conservation action. Christie also sits on the Supervisory Board of the Global Reporting Initiative, the leading global standard-setter for sustainability reporting, and is a trustee of the Stroudwater Neighborhood Association, where she co-founded and chairs the Living Landscapes Committee to promote biodiversity and native habitat restoration at the neighborhood level. Earlier in her career, Christie advanced initiatives in philanthropy, sustainability, and human rights, working across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Today, she channels that global perspective into local engagement - inviting others to notice, appreciate, and protect the natural world.

About Maine Master Naturalists

The Maine Master Naturalist Program (MMNP)’s mission is to train volunteer naturalists who will enrich nature education in Maine. Since its founding in 2011, MMNP has trained almost 250 Maine Master Naturalists, who have gone on to volunteer more than 10,000 hours of nature education in Maine. MMNP offers a rigorous, ten month course where students learn about Maine’s plants, animals, geology, ecological systems, and more. Organized and taught by experienced Maine Master Naturalists and outside experts, the course provides hands-on learning in the classroom and in the field.