Triton Environmental Science and Marine Biology teacher Tom Horsley has decided to start a new bird-watching club with the purpose of getting students more interactive with the great outdoors.

“I love birding, and I’m passionate about identifying bird species, and I think it’s a great way to get outside.” said Horsley.

When asked about the activities that are part of the club, Horsley said “…usually it will be that we will learn what we need to know in order to properly identify birds in the classroom… and then we will learn what we need to know to identify them in the fields and we will be taking that knowledge and applying it to actual field trips, so actually getting outside,” said Horsley.

While spending days outside with classmates may seem like a lot of fun, Horsley wants his club members to take lessons and information from it all at the end of the day.

“I hope that they will acquire that…extra layer of awareness. When you’re walking around and all of a sudden you go ‘Oh! That’s an English House Sparrow!’ It adds that next level of awareness and also a passion of getting outside and identifying birds,” said Horsley.

Mr. Horsley showed enthusiasm when asked what he would say to students who are thinking about joining the bird watching club.

“I would say you absolutely should! Come see me. H117. We are going to have a good time,” said Horsley.

The Bird Watching Club meets on Thursdays twice a month. Sign-ups are available by talking to Horsley or by e-mailing him.