Master Birder Program - 2018-2019

Overview of NCTMB Program

Audubon Dallas is the proud sponsor of The North-central Texas Master Birder Program “”NCTMB”). NCTMB is a course in field ornithology for intermediate-level birders. It is designed to provide participants with techniques to enhance applicants’ existing bird identification skills and general knowledge of birds, ecology, conservation, and habitat requirements in Texas. It is also an “education for service” initiative. Participants will receive advanced training in field ornithology in exchange for volunteer services to the North-central Texas community.

The NCTMB provides training on ornithological topics using a combination of eleven classroom sessions and ten instructor-led field trips. Topics include but are not limited to:

1. Bird Identification by Sight

2. Bird Identification by Sound

3. Ecological Zones of Texas and the Associated Avifauna

4. Birding Equipment Including Optics, Field Guides, Written Forms, and Checklists

5. Birding Etiquette in the Field

6. Avian Biology

7. Migration

8. Texas Specialty Birds

9. Birding Ethics

10. Record Keeping and Reporting

Resource Page and Downloads

Application Download at the Bottom of This Page (Adobe PDF and MS Word)

Joining the NCTMB:

All persons wishing to join NCTMB must complete an Application.

The NCTMB Application will be available on this website before June 1, 2016.

All applications are reviewed by the Master Birder Selection Board. Successful applicants will be birders who have

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for birding by providing a detailed history of birding experiences and activities as well as participation in such birding programs as Audubon, tagging programs, and bird counts.

• Demonstrated knowledge of North American birds and more specifically, Texas birds.

• Attested to their capacity for fulfilling the physical demands of attendance and participation during the calendar year. This includes all scheduled class times and field trips.

• Demonstrated a history of volunteerism.

Written notification of acceptance will be e-mailed to applicants 30 days prior to the first scheduled class.

Full payment of the class fee of $150.00 will be due and payable at the first scheduled class. Transportation, food and entrance fees to birding areas are the responsibility of the participant.

Class size will be limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience for all.

Requirements for Certification

1. Participants must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and field trips.

2. All participants must have a valid driver's license.

3. All participants must pay their participation fee in full before the first scheduled class. Payment arrangements are possible however; they must be made in advance of the first scheduled class. No payment arrangements will be made after the first scheduled class.

4. All graduates of the NCTMB program must complete a yearly requirement of 16 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training to maintain their certified status.

5. All NCTMB trainees and graduates who are also members of the North Texas Chapter of Master Naturalists and who are seeking a Specialist designation must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training to maintain their Master Naturalist Specialist designation. All NTCMB who are also members of the North Texas Chapter of Master Naturalists must report their hours to both the NTMN chapter and NCTMB program coordinator.

6. All volunteer and advanced training hours must be approved by the NCTMB program coordinator in advance.