Example Introduction

Welcome to Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance

  • Introduce yourself

  • Introduce the coleads

Introduce SCV Bird Alliance. You can state the mission or talk about the other aspects of the organization - whatever you feel comfortable with.

  • Our mission statement: “The Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance (SCVBA) promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of birds and other wildlife by engaging people of all ages in birding, education,  and conservation.”

  • Thank members, our Field trip program is almost entirely volunteer run, so your membership supports conservation and education programs….

  • If you are not already familiar with SCV Bird Alliance, besides hosting these free bird walks led by volunteers, we also have a conservation program and an education program.

    • Our Environmental Advocate, Shani Kleinhaus,  works with local governments, companies, advocating for wildlife crossings, burrowing owls, bird safe design of buildings, tree trimming practices in our local parks.

    • Education: Wetlands Discovery Program. Each year we provide our program to about 2000 kids. Started in 1988 we’ve been teaching in the classrooms, grades 3-5. Always looking for more docents, let me know if you want to help.

Describe Location and Route

  • Remind attendees to purchase parking permit if needed at that location

  • Length, bathrooms? End time?

  • Hazards? Ticks? Bikes? etc

  • What’s happening this time of year?/Why are we here? 

eBird

  • Citizen science and our bird list

Photos

  • IF you don’t want us to take your photo, raise your hand

Etiquette

  • Stay behind me, I like to set the pace, don’t flush the birds

  • Team Work! 

    • Everyone is a spotter

    • Help everyone get on a bird.  

    • If you know something about a bird or have a fun story, please share it with the group.  

  • Circle of Introductions

  • First name

  • City

  • Birding Experience and have you been here before?`

  • Consider taking a group photo now instead of saving it for the end of the trip

Conclusion at End of Trip

  • Thank you to attendees

  • I like to go around in a circle and have everyone say their favorite moments or something they really liked about today - whatever they are comfortable talking about. Some leaders like to announce the total number of species observed.

  • Take a group photo if you haven’t already

  • What happens next

    • state that you’ll share the bird list with everyone

    • Encourage membership if you feel comfortable or provide a link to membership in your wrap-up email

After the Trip