Local land trust offers online winter birding experience

A local land trust is hosting an online birding event to celebrate the birds of winter.

“Several bird species spend the winter in the Kingston area,” said a statement from the Land Conservancy for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLA) issued Monday. “They stay despite the cold and snow, and make the best of it here, as this year we’ve all had to do.”

Mary Alice Snetsinger of the Land Conservancy KFLA said that due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, people are spending more time noticing nature, going outside for walks and keeping their bird feeders full. “We wanted to give everyone a chance to enjoy and learn more about the birds wintering here,” she explained.

The online event takes place on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at 4 pm.

It will begin with a presentation by local field naturalist Dale Kristensen, who recently retired from Queen’s University. “Bird watching is a welcome winter activity,” Kristensen said. “I have had some interesting species at my feeder this year and will talk about how to identify them and other birds that we are seeing around right now. ”

After Kristensen’s presentation, people who have submitted bird photographs taken in the area this winter will share their photos and stories.

“It’s a lot of fun to see people’s photographs, whether they are new to photography and birding, or experienced. We all learn a lot,” Snetsinger said.

The event is free. In a random draw, two participants will each receive a $50 gift card from Urban Nature Store. “We’re grateful to have the Urban Nature Store, which remains open for curbside pick-up, as the sponsor for this event,” Snetsinger added.

Registration is available online through Eventbrite. More information can also be found on the Land Conservancy for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington website, Facebook page or on Instagram.