There is something a little intimidating about going on your first birding walk.
You might wonder: Will everyone know more than me? What if I can't identify a bird? Do I need expensive binoculars? What if I call a Blue Jay a Blue Bird and everyone laughs?
Relax.
We’ve all been there.
At Urban Nature Store, we believe birding is supposed to be fun, relaxing and accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer free beginner-friendly birding walks throughout the year. If you've never been on a birding walk before, one of our walks is a wonderful way to give it a try, meet some new people and learn from more experienced birders.
And you don't need to be an expert. In fact, you don't even need to know the difference between a warbler and a waffle!
Our walks are a chance to get outdoors, explore some beautiful local natural areas and discover just how many birds are living around us. You'll learn how to look for birds, listen for their calls, recognize common species and, perhaps most importantly, slow down and enjoy nature.
Two October Opportunities
We have two confirmed birding events taking place in October. Full details, including meeting locations, times and registration information, can be found in the Upcoming Events section of UrbanNatureStore.ca.
- Sunday October 11 – Pomana Mills Park, Thornhill
- Sunday October 18 – Lynde Shores Conservation Area, Ajax
Spaces can be limited, so be sure to check the website and RSVP is required by sending an email at support@urbannaturestore.ca.
Don't Own Binoculars? No Problem!
One of the questions we hear from new birders is, "Do I need binoculars?"
The answer is no—but they certainly make birding more fun!
Urban Nature Store has a limited number of binoculars available to lend for our free birding walks, so you don't have to purchase a pair just to come along and try birding. If you have your own binoculars, bring them. If you don't, come anyway!
What Should You Bring?
Birding walks aren't fashion shows. Comfort and practicality win every time!
For an October walk, I recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
- Long pants, particularly for protection from ticks
- A water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Binoculars, if you have them
- A camera or smartphone, if you enjoy taking pictures
- And perhaps a small snack—birding can work up an appetite!
Most importantly, bring curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
You may come hoping to see one particular bird and end up discovering five others you didn't even know existed.
And don't worry if you don't recognize everything you see. Nobody does. Even experienced birders have those moments when a bird disappears into a bush after giving you exactly three seconds to figure out what it was.
That's part of the fun.
So, if you've been thinking about trying a birding walk but haven't quite worked up the courage, consider this your invitation.
Come join us. Meet some friendly people, learn a few things, enjoy the outdoors and see what all the fuss is about.
You might just discover a new hobby—and maybe a few new friends along the way.
And who knows? That first walk might be the beginning of a lifetime of birding adventures.
Happy Birding!
Paul Oliver
Founder, Urban Nature Store
For upcoming free birding walks and events, visit UrbanNatureStore.ca and look under Upcoming Events.
