Birds and Babies!
Join me and my 8-month-old at Parc Jarry for a casual walk to admire and identify birds, while enjoying the company of fellow parents and little ones.
At this time of late summer many birds have finished nesting and have transitioned to feeding their young out of the nest or teaching them skills like foraging and flying. This makes for a fun and sweet period for birding; hearing the babies chattering and begging their parents for food, or watching them fly around clumsily. Some birds like Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches are later breeders and may still be nesting. I often hear and see both of these species while walking through the park. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to spot them!
This event is open to all parents with babies or young children. 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!
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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.
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Location: Parc Jarry (Meet at the white Gazebo near the St. Laurent/Faillon Entrance)
See Map Below
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
*Weather dependent!
*I will email day-of to confirm event, as life with an infant is unpredictable! I can text you if that is preferred.
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. You are welcome to come and go as you please, of course!
To Bring:
Binoculars & bird guide book (if you have)
I will have two pairs of binoculars and a guide book to share as we walk
Download the Merlin ID Bird App prior to if you're interested in using it for identification (see below for more details)
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!
Host: My name is Kristen, and I’m a queer birder originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. I’m a new mom; my son was born in December of 2024. I have been a birder for over a decade and prior to maternity leave I worked as a biologist. I am looking for more ways to be social during this new chapter of parenthood. I often go on birding walks on my own, but I love sharing my knowledge of birds and getting to know new faces. This is an opportunity to meet other parents and learn about birds. I would love for you to join me!
See ‘About’ page for more about me.
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 speak 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 app’s settings 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 identificaiton 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.
This is a free event. Host donations are welcome but not necessary!
