We are usually first attracted to birds by noticing their color or maybe some of their markings. But, in fact, many other factors can be even more important when learning to identify the species of a bird. Want to learn more? Join us April 13, 1-3pm, in the Lowry Room, where we will help “beginner” birders (adults and older kids) learn about key bird identification factors such as shape, size, habitat, and field marks among others. This free course will be taught by Dan Brauning, retired Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife biologist.

Brauning started his career as project coordinator of Pennsylvania’s first Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania. He joined the Pennsylvania Game Commission as ornithologist in 1990 and retired in 2021. During this tenure, he co-authored The Birds of Pennsylvania with Gerald McWilliams in 1992, served as director of the Second Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, and co-editor of the resulting book in 2012. Brauning is a member of Lycoming Audubon Society.

Brauning has a master’s degree in ecology from Penn State University, and is presently supervisor of the Wildlife Diversity Section of the Bureau of Wildlife Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission. He is a member of the Wilson Ornithological Society, the Pennsylvania Ornithological Society, the Ornithological Technical Committee (OTC) of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey, Partners In Flight Northeast Working Group, and The Nature Conservancy.

Brauning has published two dozen articles in Pennsylvania Game News, Pennsylvania Birds, and The Auk since 1987. Most of these papers deal with the status of Pennsylvania’s threatened/endangered/at risk species, some with population trends for Pennsylvania’s nesting birds, and others with research techniques for monitoring grassland birds. In addition, he has edited or coauthored three books in his young career.

Brauning played a major role in the restoration of Pennsylvania’s super-raptors: Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcon, and was the principal author of the recovery/ management plans for those species. He has designed and implemented numerous monitoring programs for Pennsylvania’s protected and at-risk birds, including grassland birds, wetland birds, and birds of prey. He has worked with many partners to encourage bird conservation, including the Partners in Flight program.

Email rsplain@jvbrown.edu with questions.

** NOTE: Please be advised that photographs may be taken at this event/program for use on the James V. Brown Library website and in the press, Brown Library marketing materials, and other library publications. By registering for or attending this event, you consent to the library photographing and using your image and likeness. No names will be used. If you do not want your photograph taken, you may still register or attend the event, but please let the staff person in charge know. **

This program is one of the many ways Pennsylvania Public Libraries support the PA Forward Initiative through providing basic, and information literacy opportunities for learning.