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Holiday Hours: Please note RBG's hours vary during the holiday season, and on Winter Wonders dates. See rbg.ca/hours for full details.

The Joy of Birding (intermediate)

Date & Time:

February 1, 2025, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location:

Nature Sanctuaries

Types:

Courses and Programs, Outdoor Adventure

Length:

1 to 2 Hours

Admission:

Pre-Registration Required, Ticketed Event

Event Description

Have you already been out exploring birds in the field but would like to learn more about the identification nuances between similar species? Are you interested in delving deeper into understanding bird behaviour, adaptations, and migration? If these questions ring true for you, then “The Joy of Birding” is the program for you!

  • Fee: $20 + HST & $2 Service Fee (Members 10% off)
  • Registration Closes: 3 days prior
  • More dates available!

Registration opens: Wednesday November 6, 11 a.m.

Join other birders as we together explore the use of field marks, behaviour, taxonomy, timing, calls, songs, and habitat preferences to identify species in the field. To provide you with a high quality experience, each session is kept to a small group size of 12 registrants. Sessions take place in a variety of habitats on RBG lands, including the Arboretum, Hendrie Valley, Princess Point, or Rock Chapel.  Participants will be notified of the next program’s location via email at least 48 hours prior to each program date. 2-3 hours long, for more experienced birders. 

Looking for a beginner program? Try “Let’s Go Birding!

All Winter Dates

Each date requires separate registration. Use the links above to register for any upcoming program.

  • Friday December 6, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (instructor: Catherine Manschot)
  • Tuesday January 7, 6 to 9 a.m. (instructor: Catherine Manschot) – early morning
  • Saturday February 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (instructor: Heather Hosten)
  • Wednesday March 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (instructor: Catherine Manschot)
  • Sunday March 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (instructor: Heather Hosten)
White Breasted Nut Hatch

To prepare for your birding session, please consider the following:

  1. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes.
  2. We will be hiking slowly for a few kilometers over the course of 2-3 hours.
  3. Please bring a water bottle, and snacks in case you get hungry.
  4. Binoculars are a must, but if you don’t have a good pair, we can lend you a pair for the outing.
  5. Although we love animals, please leave your pets at home.
  6. To protect our natural ecosystems, we ask you to stay on the trails and refrain from feeding the wildlife.
Heather Hosten in a natural area

Instructor: Heather Hosten

Instructor Bio

Heather Hosten started birding with the RBG’s birding program in 2018. She liked it so much that she joined the RBG as a volunteer and is now excited to be leading birding walks. She enjoys birding with friends and has volunteered with a local bird banding station. When she is not birding, Heather works as a speech language pathologist and enjoys gardening and needlework. 

  • male hooded merganser duck
  • Person using binoculars to birdwatch in the forest
  • Bobolink perched on a fencepost
  • red headed woodpecker

Register for RBG’s Courses & Workshops

Pre-registration required for all Courses and Workshops. View all upcoming courses and workshops from all categories at rbg.ca/publicprograms.

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