PORT ST. LUCIE - If you would like to learn about the birds that may be visiting your neighborhood before they head back to their summer breeding grounds, then join the Oxbow Eco-Center and the St. Lucie Audubon Society for a six-part "Birding for Beginners" course, beginning Feb. 26.

Florida's snow bird populations, the feathered variety, arrived as usual this season as they performed their annual migrations from the northern states and Canada. American robins, Gray Catbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Belted Kingfishers, Black and White Warblers, and many more species are here to bask in our balmy winter climate. This variety of species makes winter a great time to go birding here in Florida.

The "Birding for Beginners" course includes three evening classes at the Oxbow Eco-Center and three Saturday morning field trips led by the St. Lucie Audubon Society. The evening sessions will take place on Feb. 26, March 4 and March 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Field trip dates are March 1, 8 and 15. Field trip locations will be announced at the first class.

Space in this course is limited, so register today. The cost is $30 per participant and pre-payment is required. For more information or to register, call Wren Underwood at (772) 785-5842 or send email to underwoe@stlucieco.gov.

The Oxbow Eco-Center is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, approximately two miles south of Midway Road, across from the Publix plaza.

###