With fall migration already underway, this is a great time to discover birding. There is a lot of bird activity with British Columbia’s seasonal visitors and local year-round species! Come Birding With Me and learn about our local birds on free, guided bird walks that celebrate diversity in bird and human communities.
Inspired by a similar program, “Let’s Go Birding Together”, run in the USA in association with the National Audubon Society, this initiative aims to help encourage diversity in the enjoyment of and engagement with nature. As part of the Vancouver Bird Celebration and organized collaboratively by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, Canadian Wildlife Service, Birds Canada, and the BC Bird Trail, Birding With Me walks welcome members of different communities led by experts of shared identity to explore birding together and meet new people.
Research has shown that barriers for accessing nature or viewing wildlife exist for marginalized groups. Through the free guided walks, diverse communities are can explore birding in a comfortable and supportive environment. Walks will range from 1.5 to 2 hours in greenspaces around the Lower Mainland. Binoculars are available to borrow. Insights from knowledgeable walk leaders allow anyone to learn about birds.
Visit the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s website to learn more. Check out their events calendar to find walks offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tagalog. In addition, there are also walks welcoming members of the LGBTQ2SIA+, BIPOC, and Middle Eastern communities.
There are currently walks scheduled throughout September and October. Hope to see you there and happy birding everyone!
