Despite colder temperatures on the way, a University of Guelph educator suggests this is actually an ideal time of year to start a new outdoor hobby: birding.
“Fewer leaves and vegetation make finding birds a lot easier, especially for beginners,” says Chris Earley, interpretive biologist and education coordinator at The Arboretum. “Birding is for everyone and you don’t have to travel far. A local park or downtown river can often have a surprising number of birds in it.”
Earley, an adjunct professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and the School of Environmental Sciences, holds a master banding permit with the Canadian Wildlife Service and does bird banding with student groups. He has also written a number of bird identification guides.
He says while some birds fly south for the colder months, many species, like woodpeckers, chickadees and blue jays, spend the winter in Canada. Birding has steadily gained popularity in recent years as people look for ways to connect with the natural world, no matter the weather, he adds.
“The hobby encourages people to get outside and into nature, which is good for your mental health.”
Birding also offers the chance to see something unique. U of G student Robert Linfield recently saw a vermilion flycatcher at Guelph Lake, marking the first record of that bird in Wellington County.
“The more you’re out and about birding, the more chances you’ll have of finding a rare bird or seeing a behaviour you haven’t seen before,” Earley says.
Even when it’s too cold to go outside, bird lovers can watch the birds from the comfort of their homes. “Bird feeders bring the birds to you,” Earley says.
The Arboretum offers virtual courses to help people get started and has upcoming winter bird walks. The space is free to enter for anyone who wants to explore on their own.
Guelph area birders are also running the annual citizen science Christmas Bird Count in December.
Earley is available for interviews.
Contact:
Chris Earley
cearley@uoguelph.ca