Birds have fascinated people since the earliest days of civilization and probably far before that. Egyptians would bring mummified ibis into their tombs; the oldest piece of written Dutch text is about birds; and Charles Darwin could only formulate his theory of evolution because of his profound interest in the finches and mockingbirds of the Galapagos islands.  

In this course, we will explore what makes these animals intriguing and discover valuable lessons we can learn from them to achieve a better balance between nature and human activities. Our approach will be interdisciplinary, featuring insights from experts in bird ecology, behavior, and evolution, as well as their historical and social contexts. And perhaps most importantly we will go out into the field to observe avian wildlife in their natural habitat!  

Half of the course is dedicated to a theoretical understanding. The growing knowledge of the over 10.000 wild species worldwide has given us intriguing reflections on animal behavior and a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics. More recently, ecologists have started to value birds as literal canaries in the coalmine, since they can give early signals of ecological degradation and birds are oftentimes first responders to climate change. 

The other half of the course is dedicated to going outside. Situated in an estuary with numerous rivers, forests, swamps and drylands, our country is ultimately suited for many bird species. We will have ample opportunity to go into nature and improve our own bird watching skills during the field trips. The main teachers are both deeply engaged with birds and will provide you with the most crucial tricks of the birding trade. Students can borrow binoculars if needed.

Elias den Otter  

Birds have played a significant role in Elias’ life for many years. As a nature guide, he’s witnessed how birds enhance the beauty and wonder of the natural world, often right in people’s backyards or even on their balconies. This passion inspires him to serve as the chairman of a birding association in Alkmaar, and it drives his efforts to promote a more localized, nature-inclusive food system in his region. His view is that by fostering local food and birding communities, we create a deeper connection between people and nature. 

Elias has been connected to the UvA as a teacher in interdisciplinary social sciences since 2016 and developed a variety of innovative courses. Elias’ academic background is in Sociology. 

Joris Buis

Joris has been passionate about bird watching since he was a child. Growing up in Amsterdam, he started exploring the local wildlife as a 10-year-old, always with binoculars in hand. This love for birds followed him on family vacations, where birdwatching became a constant activity, and he spent hours studying bird identification books. 

Today, Joris lectures at various universities (including the UvA), sharing his knowledge about birds, the importance of wild nature, and conservation. In addition to his academic work, Joris works for IVN Natuureducatie, an NGO where he leads national programs aimed at connecting young people with nature and inspiring a love for the environment. Through this work, he combines his lifelong passion for birds with a commitment to preserving biodiversity.  Joris has an academic background in forest and nature conservation.

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