Guided Bird Walk & Merlin + eBird Workshop with Holly

Join Nature Educator and Stewardship Interpreter, Holly for an introduction to eBird and Merlin, followed by a guided walk around Swan Lake to see some of the birds that are found at the Sanctuary!

Learn about two amazing free digital birding resources (Merlin and eBird) during an indoor presentation with Holly. Follow step-by-step instructions provided to get set up on your own mobile device, and learn how these tools can contribute valuable information through citizen science users. Holly will help you create an eBird checklist that can be used to record birds seen on our leisurely 1-hour group walk around Swan Lake. Together you will explore and identify species of birds that call Swan Lake home, or make this stop along the Pacific flyway. This event will end as we return to the Nature House for 11:00 AM.

Bring your own binoculars if you have them! Binoculars are also available to borrow at the Nature House (ID requested as collateral).

This program takes part both indoors and outdoors. Please meet at the Nature House for the start of the program.

Complimentary tea will be offered during the workshop. BYO travel mug if you would like to take this to-go on the walk!

The Nature House will be open from 9:00 AM for participants to check in, and after the program's end for further exploration. Our Gift Shop will also be open!

This event is intended for all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Where: Swan Lake Nature House - 3873 Swan Lake Road

When: Saturday, August 8, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Who: All ages, best for participants who can comfortably complete a full walking loop of the lake (1 hour) - opportunities for sitting breaks outdoors will be limited. A mobile device (cellphone) with data is also very valuable for this event.

Cost: $15 per participant. 10% off for Members (please log in to your member portal to enroll with this benefit).

About your facilitator: Holly M.

Holly is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Biology and Environmental Studies. While completing her degree, she enjoyed learning about local biodiversity and environmental history of where she grew up. She is hoping to share her appreciation and knowledge of the land while at Swan Lake. In recent years she has been working in a variety of teaching and child care roles and is looking forward to continuing her work in nature education. 

Other helpful details:

Please dress appropriately for this outdoor activity (layers are recommended), including footwear well-suited for trail walking.  

Some steps and sloped gravel trails will be part of the path for this event. 

We aim to make the Nature House and our programs accessible to all individuals.  If you have specific accessibility accommodations or questions, please contact us (link embedded).  

Free parking is available on site - please view the Parking page on our website (link embedded). Bike parking and nearby bus routes are also available.

Only certified service dogs (or service dogs in training) are permitted at the Nature Sanctuary, including the Nature House. Per Bylaw #7462, all other domestic animals are prohibited on site.