Birding 101 — Foundations of Field Bird Identification
NRTG’s MicroCourses provide a flexible and enriching pathway to build your skills and expertise – one focused, practical course at a time. Birding 101 delivers foundational bird identification field skills in a streamlined, easy-to-digest format designed for immediate, real-world application.
Whether you’re a budding birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or field researcher just starting out, this introductory MicroCourse is built for people who want to systematically strengthen their field-based identification skills.
You’ll learn to recognize common bird species by observing key traits such as size and shape, plumage patterns, behaviours, habitats, and vocalizations. The course focuses on observation, behaviour, habitat, seasonality, and individual variation rather than memorizing species lists or relying on apps. Birding 101 is the perfect entry point into the world of ornithology and outdoor wildlife observation.
Through interactive lessons, audio recordings, and visual aids, you’ll gain practical skills in:
- Using binoculars and field guides effectively
- Practicing ethical, non-intrusive birdwatching techniques
- Taking accurate field notes and documenting species
- Differentiating similar species, including common field misinterpretations and handling challenging distinctions
- Understanding bird behaviour in an ecological context
You’ll also explore how to contribute to citizen science projects like eBird and iNaturalist—playing a role in real-world bird conservation and research.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently identify a variety of common birds and continue developing your birding skills in the field.
Course will be 4 hours long.
Instructor Profile
Reiner Neuhaus, Central Germany
Reiner has a 12-year background in the German armed forces, where he was responsible for training approximately 1,200 soldiers in survival skills, preparing them to endure emergency situations for extended periods in diverse regions and environments without external support. In collaboration with military leadership, he helped develop situational analyses of specific areas, forming the foundation for effective mission planning. Alongside his military service, Reiner volunteered as a swift-water rescue swimmer and paramedic with the German Life Saving Association for nearly a decade, and today, he is a respected incident commander for flood rescue operations.
Reiner holds degrees in education and social work and teaches survival skills and mission planning to a range of professionals, including active and reserve soldiers, as a reservist in the German armed forces. In this role, he also contributes to Germany’s National Disaster Center, where he coordinates the interaction between civilian aid organizations and military rescue units (CIMIC—Civil-Military Cooperation).
When he’s not working, Reiner enjoys the outdoors with his wife and two dogs, hiking and trekking through nature. Two years ago, he completed a four-week wilderness expedition through Sweden and Norway, equipped with only a knife, fire steel, fishing kit, sleeping bag, and tarp.