Seattle Audubon's Master Birder program is a two-year education-for-service opportunity focusing on the identification and natural history of Washington's birds. Applicants should be advanced intermediate birders, and ready to commit to a relatively intense schedule during the months that the class meets.

The first year, classes meet for 12 weeks, typically from February through April. The second year, classes meet for 10 weeks, usually late January through early April. There are also two field trips each year. Classes are taught by Dr. Dennis Paulson, director of the University of Puget Sound's Slater Museum of Natural History. Dr. Paulson's lectures are supplemented with presentations by other experts on a variety of topics in Northwest ornithology and avian conservation.

The Master Birder course is a selective program, and the application process includes a written statement of background and interest, as well as a slide identification quiz. The best way to prepare for the class is to get out in the field and work on bird identification skills, behavioral observation, and birding by ear. Taking the various intermediate classes offered by Seattle Audubon is also helpful.

In lieu of a fee, program participants commit to at least 100 hours of volunteer service with Seattle Audubon over a period of three consecutive years. Participants must complete 25 of those hours before the second year of the program. The individual's interests and skills determine the nature of the volunteer service. Master Birder graduates are involved in a variety of creative endeavors, and hold many leadership positions within the organization.

The application process for the current Master Birder class (to begin January of 2003) has been completed. Applications for the 2006 Master Birder class will be accepted fall of 2005.