Beginner Birding Walk at Parc Jarry
Come birding with me Sunday October 4th in Parc Jarry!💗🌳🦆🌞🍂🪶
Autumn is a fun time for birding, as there may still be migrant birds passing through on their way south. Many resident birds, who stay in the area year-round, will be around as well, such as Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and Downy Woodpeckers. We will learn about common birds of Montreal and some tips and tricks on how to find and identify them.
This event is open to everyone and is by donation/ pay what you can. We will go at a pace that is good for everyone; potentially quite slow if we have some young walkers with us.
You don’t need to have any bird knowledge to enjoy watching them, and perhaps you will leave this walk having learned something new!
See below for further details about the event, including accessibility notes. I am looking forward to seeing you there! :)
Please email me at kasetala@gmail.com if you are interested in joining.
This is just to have an approximation of numbers and to have your contact info to confirm the event in case of last-minute changes. Do not worry if you are unable to make it in the end.
Location: Parc Jarry (Meet at the white Gazebo near the St. Laurent/Faillon Entrance)
See Map Below
Date: Sunday, October 4th, 2026.
*Weather dependent! I will email or text to cancel or reschedule event if necessary.
Time: 10:00am to 11:00am. You are welcome to come and go as you please, of course!
To Bring:
Binoculars (if you have)
I may be able to acquire binoculars from the local library to supply to some folks. This is not a guarantee, however, I will be glad to share mine as we go.
Download the Merlin ID Bird App prior to if you're interested in using it for identification (see below for more details)
Bird Guide Book (if you have)
For yourself (and your little one)
Sufficient water & snacks
Suitable outdoor clothing & sun protection
Notebook or phone notes app if you want to take bird-notes!
Accessibility: Parc Jarry has a well-maintained pavement trail with slight inclines and declines at certain points. If the ground is wet, the dirt trails may be slippery. Saint-Laurent / Gary-Carter bus stop is located at entrance where we will meet. There are benches available for those who may need a break. There are portable toilets available at the park that are usually in a poor state. The welcome center has indoor washrooms.
Language: Everyone is welcome to join, however, I will be speaking mostly English. Mon français n'est pas très bon, mais je suis content d'avoir des gens avec qui pratiquer. S'il vous plaît soyez patient avec moi :)
If you’re keen: I suggest downloading the Merlin Bird ID App before our walk. Go to the settings in the app and click “Bird Packs” to download Canada East or Canada/USA Continental so you can use the app offline. It uses location services to automatically show you a list of birds that are expected in your area. There is also a Sound ID option on the app that acts as a “bird Shazam”, offering you pretty accurate identification of bird songs and calls. It is very cool!
If you are extra keen and want to contribute to citizen science, download the eBird app as well! I will be happy to chat about these apps during the event.
Host: My name is Kristen, but Kris works too. I’m a queer mom to a beautiful toddler and am originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. I have been a birder for over a decade with a background in biology, community science, and wildlife rehabilitation. I often go on birding walks on my own or with my son, but I love sharing my knowledge of birds and getting to know new faces. This is an opportunity to meet other bird-curious folks and learn together. I would love for you to join me!
See ‘About’ page for more about me.
