You may or may not have noticed the explosion of sound recently in the woods by your house. Within the past few weeks there have been sounds not heard in Maine since late last summer. They are the calls and songs of our migratory birds returned to New England in time for the growing season. Each year they descend on fields, ponds, and forests in search of food, territory, and each other.

The path to learning more about these wonderful birds can be intimidating to the uninitiated. There are so many species to keep straight, there are binoculars and spotting scopes, and there is a whole language that can seem foreign. Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson has a remedy.

Join birder, naturalist and educator Jody Telfair-Richards on Thursday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m. for Birding for Beginners part 1. Jody will give an engaging presentation to help acquaint you with the local species, and how we identify them. She will also present some fascinating information about migrations and the state of bird populations today. This presentation will be in HVNC’s new education center, The Barn.

Then, on Saturday, May 9, 7:30-10am, join Jody for Birding for Beginners part 2, a field tour. Jody will lead the group on a birding walk through hotspots at HVNC. In early to mid-May many of our favorite birds are returning, and some exciting species are just passing through on their way to points further north. The walk will be tailored to beginning birders with plenty of time to look and learn.

Interested persons can sign up online at www.hvnc.org/registration. Tuition is $10-$12 for each event and can be submitted online or the day of the course. Please keep in mind that the Barn is 1/3 mile from the parking lot and plan accordingly. Please come prepared for the weather, and bring any binoculars, scopes and bird guides you may have. There will be plenty to share if you don’t have anything. Just bring a sense of wonder.

For more information, visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or email info@hvnc.org.