The workshop will cover basic birding skills using sight, sounds, behavior and habitat, review birding ethics, demonstrate a number of birding research methods, and provide opportunities for involvement with local citizen science birding efforts. During the first part of the workshop participants will learn the basics of bird identification, how to properly use binoculars, how to use bird field guides for particular areas, and where to find the best birding spots. During the second part, participants will go out into the field (Rio Wetlands) with local birding expert, Brenda Strohmeyer and apply what they have learned.