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Ready to gain access to some of the greatest secrets in the natural world?


It's time to start eavesdropping on wild conversations! Animals are communicating around you, all the time. You can tune in to what they're saying!  In this online course you'll learn how to decode the secrets of animal language, join the conversation, and transform your relationship with wild animals and the natural world.

Do you love wild animals and wish you could see more of them?

It's time to stop missing out on the most important conversation happening around you!

 Imagine if...

  • You could engage with animals each and every day, wherever you live.
  • You knew in an instant that there’s a hawk in the neighborhood, a bear over the next hill, or a tiger traveling along the river corridor.
  • You regularly encountered ‘National Geographic’ moments--even in your own neighborhood!
  • Your friends, family, or clients see the wildlife of their dreams – because of you!
  • You could take stunning wildlife photos because you are able to read animal behavior and get the perfect shot.
  • You have an increased sense of peace and well being from your newfound connection wildlife.

Introducing...

Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations:

Decoding the secrets of animal language for ultimate wildlife encounters

Eavesdropping on wild conversations course snapshot

In this online course you'll learn to:

Listen in on animal conversations

Tap into an ancient method of reading nature for a whole new way of viewing the world

Get to know the animals around you

Learn how to engage with the wildlife around you in a way you never thought possible

Understand animal behavior

Find out how to not only see more animals but how to interpret their actions. 

Share wildlife with others

Be a better wildlife guide--sharing exciting wildlife encounters with friends, family, or clients

Be a better wildlife photographer

Stop being envious of other wildlife photographers’ images;  anticipate animal behavior and get exciting wildlife photos

Discover a new relationship with nature

Discover a new sense of peace and well-being from your newfound relationship with wildlife


How would you like to engage with the wildlife around you in a way you never thought possible? 

You can! By learning how to eavesdrop on wild conversations. 

In this online course, you'll learn skills and techniques to help you tune in to the behavior and language of wild animals. 


The classes are delivered online through a program called Teachable, as a series of lectures, slide shows, and video lessons that can be completed on your own time schedule and re-watched as many times as you like. Each learning component has direct, actionable suggestions to advance your understanding right now, anywhere you happen to be.


When you enroll, you'll receive:

  • Immediate access to 9 hours of class content in 6 modules plus 5 bonus lessons
  • Exclusive access to a private Facebook group where students share their observations and experiences, and the instructor answers questions
  • Lifetime access to the course and free updates forever
  • Quarterly live Q&A sessions with George Bumann 

 



QUESTIONS? 


"Experiencing wildlife through the eyes and ears of George and Jenny is a bit like having the curtain drawn open at the beginning of a magnificent play."

Robert Petty, former VP of Education, Yellowstone Forever

Here’s what people are saying about the course

We’re excited to share with you the same step- by-step approach we use to find and observe the wildlife that we sketch, photograph, sculpt, and share with our clients and students. See what they have to say:

eavesdropping on wild conversations LaRita

LaRita D.

Student

The information in the course definitely opened my mind and senses more to the natural world around me even though we were in lock-down mode and haven't left the house or my yards very much. I learned how even my suburban back yard can be full of wildlife encounters as long as I am willing to spend some quiet time out there. I learned how to be more in tune with what is usual and what is "out of place" as far as sounds and lack of sounds. I learned how to be more observant of my surroundings no matter where I was.

Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations Chris Crook

Chris C.

Student & Photographer

I find that I have a deeper connection to wildlife I encounter now...As a photographer [this class has] helped me be more patient and study the animal to get more interesting and candid shots than before, all while being much more sensitive to how my presence may affect the animal. While I was already careful about not disturbing animals, this class helped me understand what signs to look out for and also better understand how easy it is to disrupt them.

Secrets of Animal Language Sally Stilwill


Sally S.

Student

My educational experiences with George Bumann... have sparked an insatiable interest in learning- having taken many courses with George... I have learned the art of quiet listening. If you want to know about animal signals, the reasons for certain animal behaviors and to be exposed to hidden gems in nature you must experience George. There is no one like him and if you are lucky enough to listen to him share some of his immense knowledge you too will be changed forever.


What you’ll learn in this online course:

1

Module 1: Discovering What's Possible

What may seem like magic to many boils down to simply becoming a better observer. This introductory section covers real-life scenarios intended to give you a glimpse into what’s possible to see and encounter when you delve into the fascinating world of animal language.

2

Module 2: Entering the Conversation of Nature

This section will take you through the progression of starting your wildlife language learning journey. You will cover topics that are essential to success, like:

  • How to use ancient wisdom for a modern approach to understanding animals
  • How to best use the time you already have outdoors
  • Why wild animals can serve as our best teachers
  • How NOT to scare the wildlife
  • How to maximize the powers of your senses to tune in

3

Module 3: Meeting the Messengers

In order to enter the conversation of nature, we need to find the gossips and town criers and realize who our best informants are. In this module you’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize your animal informants
  • Start uncovering what they have to teach you
  • Get to know the wild animals in your own specific area and become familiar with their regular behaviors and habits.

4

Module 4: Defining Patterns in Behavior

In this module,  your local wildlife will become much more familiar as we dig into the details of how to enter their world. This series of lessons lays the groundwork for:

  • Placing your finger more squarely on the pulse of your part of the planet
  • Becoming more aware of animals’ basic needs for survival
  • Recognizing how these needs act as a lens through which you can see their use of habitat, interactions with other animals, and daily and seasonal shifts
  • Picking up on the types of signs that light up when a predator is in their midst

5

Module 5: Decoding Meaning

This is where it gets really fun! Learn how to:

  • Piece together your observations and the reconnaissance from your wild informants into a deeper and more fully-formed picture of the places you live and travel
  • Assess incoming messages based on who they are coming from (with lessons on specific language and meaning for select species)
  • Evaluate new nuggets of information from any species with your new-found ability to recognize those who are talking

6

Module 6: Becoming Part of Nature

Once you understand the concepts in this course, it is impossible to move through the world the same way as before. As you find insights into the world of your area wildlife, you'll also discover:

  • A  greater degree of connection that ultimately shifts both your awareness and actions
  • Your non-human neighbors will notice your behavior shift and start treating your differently
  • Unlimited joy and satisfaction
  • A new feeling of responsibility to re-enter the community of nature and be a good citizen
  • Ideas for  sharing what you've come to understand so that others may begin to shift their own nature narrative

Bonuses

More exciting lessons!

As if that weren't enough, we LOVE bonus lessons. When you enroll, you'll get these 5 extra lessons:

($500 value)

 

NEW! Bonus 1
BENEFITING BACKYARD WILDLIFE

with Doug Tallamy

Learn how you can make your backyard a friendlier place for wildlife, and help provide critical refuge for a variety of species. 

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and author of the book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens.  

NEW! Bonus 2
ANIMAL LANGUAGE FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY

with Brad Orsted

Learn how a professional photographer and filmmaker uses animal insights to capture amazing images.


Brad Orsted is an award winning photographer and wildlife filmmaker. His cinematography and photography has been aired on Nat Geo, BBC, PBS, Travel Channel, Smithsonian Channel, Curiosity Stream and ARTE.

Bonus 3
OPTICS & EQUIPMENT

This lesson will walk you through some of the equipment we use in the field on a regular basis, with tips on how and when to use it. 

Bonus 4
JOURNALING & SKETCHING

Learn fun and interesting ways to use simple journaling and sketching techniques to improve your observation skills and document your experiences.

Bonus 5
INTRO TO ANIMAL TRACKING

Animal tracking can help you fill in the gaps of the stories unfolding around you. This tracking primer will get you started following and interpreting animal sign.

Secrets of Animal Language wildlife watching collage of images grizzly coyote sparrow deer child man

You'll join a pretty cool community of people, too

You'll not only join the "wild" community around you, but you'll also become part of a growing community of people who are increasing their awareness and enjoyment of the natural world and the animals around them. You'll have the option to enter a private Facebook group where students share their questions, observations, and experiences, and have a dialog with each other and course instructors.

Start tuning in!

Ready to eavesdrop on wild conversations?

...and gain access to some of the greatest secrets in the natural world?

payment plan

4 monthly payments of 

$

125

  • 6 modules 
  • 5 bonus lessons
  • Forever access
  • Private Facebook group
  • Live Q&A sessions



Pay in full

one time payment

$

499

  • 6 modules
  • 5 bonus lessons
  • Forever access
  • Private Facebook group
  •  Live Q&A sessions
  • Bonus: Common Animal Alarms

QUESTIONS? 

Hi, I'm George Bumann

I have been a lifelong observer of nature, and a researcher, guide, artist, and educator for over 30 years. After completing a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology, the last 20 years have been spent here in Yellowstone, during which time I’ve helped over 10,000 people learn how to enjoy the wonders of animal language to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.

Allow me to share my lifetime of wildlife study with you. I’ll show you  the signals animals are constantly sending to help save you time and maximize your enjoyment of the outdoors–no matter where you live. You will acquire powerful skills to interpret what’s going on in your environment, by learning the exact methods we use when out exploring Yellowstone Park, Costa Rica, Africa, and our own backyard. 


My nature-inspired artwork can be found in collections throughout the United States and around the globe, including  the permanent collections of the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana, among others. My art and educational programs have been featured in the Salt Lake City Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Sacramento Bee, and on television, radio, and online through the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and Tedx Bozeman.

Secrets of Animal Language George Bumann

I'm Jenny Golding

I am a writer, photographer, and digital storyteller. After 20 years directing education and conservation programs for nonprofits–most recently as Director of Education for the Yellowstone Association–I now create stories about Yellowstone and natural history topics. My writing and photography have appeared in hundreds of digital and print articles for regional nonprofits and businesses. I’m also the founder and executive editor of AYellowstoneLife.com, the creator of our Instagram, Facebook and other social media stories, and the producer of the Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations e-course. I’m so excited to be able to share the fascinating worlds of Yellowstone, art, and animal language with you!

Here’s what people are saying about the course instructor

Secrets of Animal Language Tracy Arthur

Tracy Arthur

Student

George is a fantastic and engaging instructor. I have taken several classes in Yellowstone with him and have also had him as a guide. George is so clearly enthralled with the natural world and his enthusiasm and delight is contagious. He shares his vast knowledge in a manner that facilitates retention – a gifted storyteller. He is knowledgable, patient and kind. My knowledge and appreciation of the natural world has blossomed under his teaching.

Jon Young

Author, What the Robin Knows and founder 8 Shields

George Bumann is an exceptionally helpful interpreter of the natural world. In my years of experience as a tracker, mentor and bird language trainer, it is rare to meet people with George’s commitment, interpersonal skills and sensitivity to those he’s sharing with, and deeply grounded experience in the application of tracking, bird and animal language. George understands the patterns of the place he loves and where he dwells and he is generous in his willingness to share this knowledge with others.

Secrets of Animal Language Brian Kahn Home Ground Radio

Brian Kahn

Host, Home Ground Radio

The simple truth is that George Bumann is the most knowledgeable, interesting naturalist I’ve ever met.

join the conversation


& step behind the curtain into a new world...

Life before
Eavesdropping on wild conversations
You're stumbling though nature with blinders on


  • You scare animals away wherever you go; and don't even realize it
  • You arrive just after that awesome [insert your favorite animal here] sighting
  • You feel disconnected to the natural world around you, and have the sense that something is missing.
  • You miss the track on the trail that tells you who's been hanging out in your neighborhood
  • You don't notice the chickadee alarming at the owl perched nearby
  • You find yourself always looking at the "back end" of animals when taking photos
Life after 
eavesdropping on wild conversations
You're an active member of a wild community
  • You engage with the animals around you each and every day, wherever you live
  • You no longer walk by animals without noticing their behavior; you have a sense of what it's like to know what they know
  • You pick up on the subtle signs that tell you that "something" is happening (like there's a weasel in the woodpile--because the birds and squirrels told you so!)
  • You regularly have exciting wildlife encounters, even in your own backyard
  • You show your friends, family, or clients magical wildlife encounters
  • Your wildlife photos are more candid because you are able to read animal behavior and better tell their story 
  • You become a part of something much bigger, an actor in the timeless play instead of an outside observer 

Don't wait to start seeing the world in a whole new way!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee for 30-Days

We wholeheartedly believe in the Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations course, and have many satisfied students. But we want you to feel confident in trying it out for yourself!


That's why we have a 100% Risk Free Guarantee. You can try Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations  for 30 days, and if you aren't satisfied, just ask us for a full refund within 30 days of your enrollment date.


If you do the work, put in your best effort, and feel that we haven’t delivered, we will issue a 100% refund.


Change the way you see the world, forever...

Once you learn to tune in to wild conversations, it will change the way you see the world around you…forever. You’ll come to see places that you feel like you’ve always known in a whole new way; as viewed through the eyes, ears and senses of the wild animals around you. You’ll learn skills you can use anywhere, from your backyard to Yellowstone or Africa for finding interesting animal interactions you never knew were happening around you. 

There's no better time to start! Here’s what more past students have to say...

Secrets of Animal Language Mike Skelton

Mike Skelton

Yellowstone Wonders LLC

As a professional guide, I’m constantly studying and looking for ways to improve our guests’ experience in Yellowstone. George Bumann’s classes are a valuable resource for learning what wildlife “conversations” truly mean. The lessons learned do help us pass along a deeper understanding of the wildness that is Yellowstone to our guests.

gloria garrett

Gloria Garrett

Mindfulness in Nature

After just a couple of hours with George, I felt a deeper sense of not just being in nature, but being a part of nature. I wasn’t just hearing the calls of ravens, wolves, and coyotes better, but beginning to understand what they were saying. I left Yellowstone with more than wonderful memories. I left transformed–and excited to hear what the animals around my house have to say!

Secrets of Animal Language photo of Ann Skelton

Ann Skelton

Photographer

George Bumann is a masterful and engaging instructor. His classes teach you to ‘see’ instead of looking, to ‘listen’ instead of hearing and to properly interpret those sights and sounds. This helps you become more attuned to the natural surroundings and can definitely improve your photography skills.

Frequently asked questions

Click on the arrows to read the answers

Why should I take this course?

Simply put, it will change the way you see the world around you…forever. You’ll come to see places that you feel like you’ve always known in a whole new way; as viewed through the eyes, ears and senses of the wild animals around you. You’ll learn skills you can use anywhere, from your backyard to Yellowstone or Africa for finding  interesting animal interactions you never knew were happening around you.  

What is your refund policy?

We offer no-questions-asked refunds to all customers within 30 days of your purchase. If you are not satisfied with the course, then simply send us an email and we will refund your purchase right away. Our goal has always been to help people connect in a real, meaningful way with the wildlife around you. If you are not finding success with the material as presented, we are happy to provide a refund.

Is this course worth the investment?

We think it’s an incredible bargain. Here’s why:

1. In a course that will take you a few hours (at your own pace) to watch, George will share what it’s taken him a lifetime to learn.

2. It’s far less than the cost of George’s multi-day in-person courses, which cost $750-$1000, not including travel expenses. The cost of this course is about the same as a single night’s stay in a hotel in Yellowstone; and you can take it from the comfort of your home and have access to it forever.

3. You might drop several thousand dollars on a trip to Yellowstone, Costa Rica, or Africa and not see all that you might have had you taken this course. Taking this class maximizes the value of your once-in-a-lifetime travel investment by giving you the tools to make sure you aren’t missing out on exciting animal sightings.

4. If you are a nature, wildlife, or photography guide, you’ll be able to make that much back in gratuities or new business with what you’ve learned, because your clients will be asking for more.

5. The skills you learn are forever! It’s like reading: once you know how, you can’t unlearn or unsee. We believe this will change your life. It has ours, and that of the many folks we have taught. 

How is the course delivered?

Lectures, slide shows, and videos are delivered online through Teachable. Each learning component of the course will have direct, actionable suggestions to advance your understanding right now, anywhere you happen to be.

How much time will I need to take this course?

We recommend watching and practicing one module per week (6 weeks) and referring back to the course when you need a refresher, although you can go at your own pace. Each lesson is designed to be watched in short, manageable sessions; you could do it over breakfast! The lessons will help you use the time you already spend outside more effectively. Beyond that, how much time you spend outdoors practicing these concepts is up to you. We will give you suggested activities, but you get out of the course what you put in.  Even a little bit of time outside yields great results, however the more you practice, the more you’ll see!

How Iong do I have access to the course?

How does forever sound? Register for Eavesdropping on Wild Conversations once and you’ll have lifetime access to the course materials, which we’re constantly updating with any new strategies, videos, and course materials.

Who is this course for, and who is it NOT for?

If you want to:

  • listen in on animal conversations
  • get to know the animals around you
  • understand what animals are telling you about the landscapes you share
  • share wildlife with friends and family
  • take better wildlife photos
  • be a better wildlife or photography guide
  • develop a deeper connection with nature

Then this course is for you!

If you want someone to tell you exactly where to look to find big, charismatic animals and aren’t interested in learning about them or how they communicate, then this course is not for you. While we do share our step by step approach to finding animals and interpreting their behavior, you will have to put in the time and effort to learn new skills as prescribed in the course to get the full value.

Start tuning in!

Ready to eavesdrop on wild conversations?

...and gain access to some of the greatest secrets in the natural world?

payment plan

4 monthly payments of 

$

125

  • 6 modules 
  • 5 bonus lessons
  • Forever access
  • Private Facebook group 
  • Live Q&A sessions



Pay in full

one time payment

$

499

  • 6 modules
  • 5 bonus lessons
  • Forever access
  • Private Facebook group
  • Live Q&A sessions
  • Bonus: Common Animal Alarms

QUESTIONS? 

A personal note...

We believe that living a life deeply connected to wild animals and the natural world makes us all more healthy, happy, productive, and creative people. We also believe that discovering a deep understanding and caring for our non-human neighbors is key to their survival. We believe you can live a "wild" life wherever you are. Our mission is to show you how!

©George Bumann/Jenny Golding/A Yellowstone Life