Many individuals shy away from shorebird identification because “shorebirds all look the same.” This presentation by Geoff Williamson aims to dispel that notion. We stress the importance of shape, structure, and proportions in identification, with plumage features coming into play only to decide between two or three species. This approach is illustrated using several pairs of similar shorebird species as well as to differentiate between major types of shorebirds.

Geoff Williamson is active in local, state, and national birding organizations, including being secretary of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee. He is a recipient of the American Birding Association's Ludlow Griscom Award, given for outstanding contributions in regional ornithology. He founded Third Coast Birding to foster an appreciation for and connection to the birds of the Great Lakes region and beyond.

The program is hosted by the Lake County Audubon Society and will be conducted via Zoom. Visit https://www.lakecountyaudubon.org/program-schedule for registration details.