Beginning July 1, the Intergenerational Birding Course is offering grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 6, and over, an opportunity to spend time with each other, as well as share a common interest about birds.

Beth Craig, coordinator of program development, said the course was created as part of the summer 2010 workshop for the Academy of Lifetime Learning and was coordinated by Janna Overstreet.

“This is a brand new one-day course started this year,” she said.

Craig said it is from 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m.

Esther Lutz, instructor of the course, said enrollment consists of five grandparents and five grandchildren.

Lutz said the reason for a low enrollment is because of the hands-on nature of the class.

Participants, Lutz said, will have fun learning about different backyard birds of Illinois.

“I’m gearing the class towards teaching the children how to identify birds according to their markings, size and bills,” she said.

Lutz also said the subtle differences in the birds often cause confusion when identifying them.

The class will examine and build different types of bird feeders, as well as learn how to identity a variety of seeds.

Lutz said with the help from grandparents, she hopes they will have enough time to also build a birdhouse.

“We’re going to have hammers, nails and screws,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll get one put together that they can take home.”

At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to use their knowledge on a birding hike to see how many species can be identified.

Lutz said she is excited to see the grandparents and grandchildren interact with each other.

Lutz added it is important adults lead children back to nature living in this day and age.

“Growing up we didn’t have all of that electronic stuff; we learned from exploring,” she said.

Lutz said kids have to know and realize the importance of nature.

“We have to remember they are going to be stewards of this planet,” she said. “If they don’t value it, the earth will not be taken care of.”

Rashida Lyles-Cowan can be reached at 581-7942 or dennewsdesk@gmail.com.