There are many reasons why someone would like bird watching. Sometimes you see one pecking near you if you have food, or maybe you’ll see two either fighting (or going at it) on Jasper Avenue. However they appear (or whatever they’re doing), watching birds inevitably connects you to nature and offers a calming distraction, and with such beautiful plumage and colours (yes, even in the noisy magpies), it’s easy to love them. If you are going on walks anyway, it makes sense to keep an eye out for the birds you might see in the wild. Eventually, you’ll be able to tell them apart, but for the first little while, it’ll be fun to just point and say, “Look!”
The Edmonton Nature Club normally has many guide-led outdoor excursions, from local nature walks to field trips further abroad; of course COVID has made these a bit more challenging to schedule. But, you can still participate in their many online programs to educate yourself on the different types of birds you might encounter on your own outdoor adventure. Learn how to recognize birds by their colours and the sounds they make. You may just discover a new appreciation for the birds you see every day in your yard (and don’t forget to check under your deck – American robins use garden decks as nests!).
All virtual programs are offered via Zoom (many for free, even for non-members) and are about an hour long. You can participate as a guest or become a member of the club for access to the Speaker Series and indoor study groups (when it’s safe to gather indoors again). And don’t miss the March 26th talk on the Alberta Community Bat Program!
