large variety of birds that make migratory and accidental visits to the Island.

The reasons why such exotic transients as the secretive Sora and the green winged teal have graced the Island this winter will be one of the topics in a four-week course in bird watching offered by the Bermuda Audubon Society.

Residents interested in learning how to see some of the 350 bird species recorded in Bermuda -- and maybe the first to see a new arrival -- are invited to a four-week course in bird watching. The BAS is offering the $20 course at the Bermuda Aquarium's Education Room on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.

President and vice president of the Society, David Wingate and Andrew Dobson, will conduct the course to offer the public the opportunity to learn about birds and will include two field trips.

The course's intent is to help attract more members and focus their interests.

In related news the BAS has made application to create a larger pond and landscape in the area around Seymour's Pond in Southampton.

In an submission to the Development Applications Board, the Society said it intended to excavate to the east of the existing pond in the area of an old dump.