Birds of a feather learn together!

No need to flock to the countryside when you can go birding in your own backyard!

With Birds in the City, start exploring the fascinating world of birds in our neighbourhoods! From identification skills to avian adaptations to urban threats, you'll discover how our feathered citizens make their way in the big city!
Three brid hangers are in a row. At the middle bird feeder is a hairy woodpecker and a white-breasted nuthatch. The woodpecker is pecking at the seeds.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome Message from the High Park Nature Centre

    2. Module 1 Challenges in the City and How to Minimize our Impact on Birds

    1. How to Identify Birds

    2. Beginner Birding Tips and Resources

    3. 5 S's of Birding Quiz

    1. City Birds Identification Guide

    2. Birds of the City Flashcards

    3. Bird Sounds - Sorted by Species

    4. Bird Sounds - Sorted by Mnemonics

    1. Birds of the City Scavenger Hunt

About this course

  • $49.00
  • 10 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

  • Urbane Urbanites

    From strutting pigeons to soaring red-tailed hawks, many birds flourish in cities. Learn how birds adapt to hustle and bustle!

  • Hospitable Habitats

    Your backyard can be a bird oasis! Learn how to create habitat to help birds thrive in urban and suburban environments.

  • Nesting Neighbours

    Learn identification skills and tools to better know the birds visiting your neighbourhood. Over 350 species have been recorded in Toronto!

Instructor

Learn with Mallory and the High Park Nature Centre!

Mallory Parks

I grew up in a small town, but moved to Toronto for university and have been a city girl ever since. At the University of Toronto I received a BSc and Masters in Forest Conservation, which deepened my love and appreciation of forests and all of nature. My degree ignited my passion for travel, and I have explored cities, forests and wetlands in the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, Europe, and my biggest love, Latin America. My favourite places are those that have bustling cities and sprawling nature intertwined.

In 2011 I moved to the High Park area and began working at the High Park Nature Centre. I was amazed by the number of species that can be found in the middle of the city, and have been in awe learning the Indigenous history of the land. When I started at the Nature Centre trees were my main thing, but over the years I have developed a keen interest in birds. Though I am no bird expert, I'm here to prove that birding doesn't need to be intimidating! All you need is an interest and willingness to look around and listen.

Spread your wings and take your birding skills to new heights!

Enroll today

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