Early bird workshops for women in the outdoors

Early bird workshops for women in the outdoors

LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting a series of birdwatching hikes in April and May for women interested in learning more about the outdoors. These birding excursions are part of the AGFC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, which has introduced hundreds of ladies to the outdoors and offered them a way to share their experiences in outdoor recreation. The AGFC’s regular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, scheduled in fall, is a weekend of total immersion in the outdoors for beginners, but these sort of events, titled “Beyond BOW” workshops are a bit less structured and time-consuming for participants.

“Beyond BOW is just a great way for ladies to continue enjoying the outdoors in a group,” said Sarah Baxter, BOW coordinator for the AGFC. “Many ladies attend BOW, but don’t have anyone to go with after that weekend. This gives them more opportunities to make connections with other people interested in the outdoors.”

Beyond BOW events usually are reserved for ladies who have attended a previous BOW workshop to learn the basics, but Baxter says these birding excursions are different.

“Birding is one of those outdoor pursuits anyone can enjoy with very little equipment or prior knowledge,” Baxter said. “All you really need are comfortable shoes and a set of binoculars.”

All but one birding excursion is scheduled from 7 to 9 a.m. The early start time lets participants enjoy the outing without rescheduling an entire day’s activities and it focuses on the time of day when songbirds are most vocal and active. The time of year is ideal to see many species of brightly colored birds at their peak.

“Neotropical migrants are making their way to the north where they’ll breed and nest,” Baxter said.

Each excursion is free, but participants should register

at sarah.baxter@agfc.ar.gov

to reserve their spot.