Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

EXPLORING THE MYSTERY OF
BIRD MIGRATION

What is Migration? Why do birds migrate? Where do they go? How do they know how to get there? Some birds fly nearly 2500 miles nonstop to their winter homes! Some fly at altitudes over 20,000 feet! How do we know this?

Barb and Buz Sawyer have been birders for decades and have asked these questions and more. Join them for some answers, as well as exploring some still unsolved mysteries. After the classroom presentation we will go out into the Garden to look for both migrants and birds that stay year-round, and point out some plants and trees that help support the birds on their journey.

Fees: Member $28, Non-Member $34

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 $28

REGISTER NON-MEMBER $34

Date:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time:
8:30 am - 11:00 am
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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