Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

BEGINNING
BIRDING

Want to learn more about birding? Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, birdwatchers since childhood, for a fun-filled and informative morning exploring this enjoyable hobby. We’ll talk about where to go, what to bring with you, which birds are likely to be seen at which time, how to identify birds, and how to help birds with conservation techniques. Birding is gaining in popularity — there are many apps now available to assist you, which we’ll review. This class will touch on habitat, identification, behavior, and diet of the birds you are likely to see in our area, and equipment that can aid in your enjoyment of this hobby. Class begins inside and continues into the Garden to spot any birds that happen to be visiting. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Fees: Member $38, Non-Member $48

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

REGISTER MEMBER $38

REGISTER NON-MEMBER $48

Date:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time:
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Event Details

Please bring binoculars if you have them. This class will spend some time outdoors (weather permitting) in the Garden observing birds, and a majority of the time indoors in a classroom setting.

Barb and Buz SawyerAbout the Instructors

Buz Sawyer and his wife, Barb Sawyer, were both born in Maine and are lifelong birdwatchers. Buz began birdwatching in Maine in the summer of 1963 as a way to keep out of mischief. Around the same time, Barb also began birdwatching in Maine, but not for behavioral issues!

Buz and Barb met and married in Massachusetts and have been National Audubon Society members since 1985. Following their move to Texas, they both began participating in the Christmas Bird Count in 1986. Buz has participated in the Hopewell Christmas Bird Count since their move to Virginia in 2000. Both have been Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden volunteers since 2005, shortly after becoming Hanover Master Gardeners, and have volunteered in the Children’s Garden among other roles since then. Buz retired from DuPont in 2011 after a 38 year long career as an electrical engineer. Barb retired from her quilt and fabric design business shortly thereafter. Buz has managed the Lewis Ginter Bluebird Trail since 2013 and has been a Virginia Bluebird Society member since 2017.

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