Birdwatching programs
Benefits of birdwatching courses
- Connect with nature by getting to know the wildlife that calls Calgary home.
- Hone your observation skills and mental fitness by learning to recognize different birds and calls.
- Practice gentle physical activity in a relaxing setting.
2024 spring & summer registration dates
Registration for spring & summer programs, classes and day camps:
- Summer day camp registration is open
- Program and class registration is open
- Certification registration registration is open
Ensure your Live and Play account is ready on registration day by logging in and verifying your information is up to date. Get ready to register.
Registration will open:
- 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.).
- 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1).
- During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility.
Upcoming facility closures
Programs, classes and swimming lessons will not be offered at the following facilities while they undergo repairs:
- Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this spring and summer.
- Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this summer.
- Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre: closed this summer.
Types of birdwatching courses
A different class is offered every month from February to October. Check back regularly for updated listings. You can register online, in person at our Recreation facilities, or by calling 403-268-3800.
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Your kids will learn the unique sounds, shapes and colours of local bird species at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Expert birders will teach the basics of birdwatching and cover topics such as bird habitats, binocular use, basic identification and bird evidence such as nests and feathers. This course includes an indoor presentation and an outdoor walk, so please dress for the weather. Kids require a parent or guardian present.
Ages: 7+ years
Prerequisite: None
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Are you interested in learning about the unique songs, shapes and colours of local bird species? Our expert birder will introduce you to the basics of birding and cover topics such as: bird behaviour and habitat, equipment use, identification tools, and viewing techniques. This course will begin with an indoor presentation followed by an outdoor birdwatching walk. Please dress for the weather.
Ages: 18+ years
Prerequisite: None
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Come explore local parks with an expert birder and learn about the incredible feathered friends that inhabit our parks and green spaces. Special Protection Natural Areas offer unique habitats and resources for birds, and offer a very high species diversity relative to other urban areas. Learn why Calgary is a haven for nesting migrants and how to attract bird species to your own backyard. This course takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.
Ages: 18+ years
Prerequisite: None
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In a classroom learning session followed by an outdoor birdwatching walk, you will learn all about the unique adaptations of birds: how they fly at high altitudes, how they see, how they survive in Calgary’s environment, and more. A portion of this course takes place outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Ages: 18+ years
Prerequisite: None
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Beginner birdwatchers will learn about the unique songs, shapes, and colours of local birds. You will also learn basic birdwatching techniques including identifying behaviour and habitat, proper equipment use and viewing. This course takes place outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
Ages: 18+ years
Prerequisite: None
About our birdwatching instructors
Our birdwatching courses are led by professional ornithologists who are also avid birders. Our passionate and enthusiastic instructors are thrilled to share their knowledge with new and experienced birders alike.
What are birdwatching courses like?
Our courses are three hours long. They are either entirely outdoors or a combination of indoor presentations and outdoor walks.
We begin our courses with an introduction to the area and topic. Birdwatching typically involves walking quietly through an area with frequent stops to better hear or see a bird and for the instructor to give information and answer questions.
Come prepared
Dress for the weather and please bring:
- Extra layers and comfortable footwear.
- Binoculars, if you own them. Binoculars are also available to borrow.
- Cleats, if it is icy. Cleats are also available to borrow.
- You may wish to bring snacks and a water bottle.
Where can I attend birdwatching courses?
Our courses take place in various City parks, including:
- Carburn Park
- The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
- Confederation Park
- Griffith Woods
- Ralph Klein Park
- Weaselhead Flats
Each class takes place at one location. See class descriptions for details.