An online series of free classes set to start Tuesday about the basics of birding can help beginners learn more about what’s in their backyards, like this white-breasted nuthatch, as well as what to look for when out in the field or forests. (Betsy Bloom/Daily News photo)

Curious to know more about the types of birds that can be seen in the region? A series of free online classes that begin this coming Tuesday will provide that chance, from the comfort of your home.

Michigan State University Extension and Sea Grant Michigan are pairing up to offer Michigan Birding 101-Spring 2023, four virtual classes online in March that, as the name implies, will provide the basics of bird identification — plus potential ways to lure more species to your yards.

These sessions are done by Elliot Nelson, Michigan Sea Grant educator in the Chippewa County Extension Office, based at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie. This is the third year the lifelong birder has conducted the classes, after starting in 2021 during the pandemic, and regularly has drawn more than 300 participants.

“To all my friends and family that think ‘why the heck does he like birds so much?’ now’s your chance to explore this mystery!” Nelson posted on Facebook. “My free Birding 101 class will take you through the wonders of this journey we call birding!”

The classes will be on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Eastern time through March.

They will include:

— Tuesday, Birding 101: Equipment and how to ID birds;

— March 14, Backyard Birding: Backyard feeding and backyard bird ID;

— March 21, Conserve the Birds: Birding ethics and backyard habitats/native planting;

— March 28, Birding in Michigan: Where to go and what to see.

Again, these online classes are free and easily accessed through Zoom. But registration is required to get the Zoom link. For more information or to register, go online to: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=C9B132D3AAFB49865C045A9C9C39795FA5D7316F6D23420245FA529546D54842.

Or contact Nelson at elliotne@msu.edu or 906-322-0353.

March is a great month to learn more on what might be passing through during the coming spring migration, as the first of the early migrants may start showing up.

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On a related topic, the Dickinson Conservation District has begun its annual native plant sale, with a lot of offerings that would appeal to birds and other wildlife.

“Everything from food-bearing plants and trees, to wildflowers, to conifers and hardwoods, to grasses and ferns are available –and all native to the region,” the DCD stated in its news release.

I wrote about this sale last year, along with recommendations on good choices available — and there were many — from Ryan Brady, Natural Heritage Conservation biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

That column can be read at https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2022/01/tree-sale-does-wildlife-a-favor/.

The full list of species in the DCD native plant sale is at https://www.dickinsoncd.org/shop.

For the first time, the DCD is combining its Spring Tree Sale with its Wildflower Sale. “These native wildflowers will bring color and benefits to any flower garden. When looking through our flowers, though, take note that there will be a level of care that will need to be done prior to placing them in the ground, outdoors, after the last frost,” the DCD stated on its website.

The DCD said it will provide complete instructions to any customer who purchases wildflowers.

DCD staff also can give guidance on making choices over the phone at 906-774-1550.

The order deadline is April 14, with a $10 late fee after that and no orders accepted after April 26.

Pick-up of orders will be at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Norway on May 5-6, or the Coleman High School in Coleman, Wis., on May 6.