Downsview Park encouraging public to brush up on birding

Even in the middle of winter, there are many opportunities for birding in Downsview Park, and its staff have prepared a special program to help both experienced birders and newbies alike brush up on their identification skills.

The organizers of the Introduction to Winter Birding program have explained that the park attracts species from as far away as Northern Canada, and sometimes Europe, and there is something new to see every day. The online guide they have prepared can be downloaded to learn how to identify the various birds that may be seen in the park.

Once someone has studied the guide, it will be time to head to the park to get some field experience. Staff will be hiding photos of local birds in the trees and other locations, and the public is invited to see how many they can spot and identify. Those who plan on participating are asked to observe social distancing measures and stay at home if they are not feeling well.

Hosting a program like this gives a local greenspace a way to connect with the public. Offering participants a patch or sticker printed with a custom graphic design can be a fun way to recognize those who complete this sort of activity.

The Introduction to Winter Birding program is on offer now, and the field guide can be downloaded from the Downsview Park website. Everyone in the area is encouraged to get involved.