Get started with binoculars.

We are honoured and excited that you have chosen to explore the fascinating world of birding with the UM Indigenous Birding Club. Whether you're an experienced birder or just starting out, our binocular lending program is here to help you discover the beauty of birds in their natural habitats.

We hope birding brings you the same emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that it brings to us.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Adjust Your Binoculars

Binoculars can enhance your birding experience by bringing distant birds into sharp focus. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your binoculars:

Adjust the Eyecups:
- If you wear glasses, keep the eyecups down.
- If you don’t wear glasses, extend the eyecups out.
Set the Interpupillary Distance:
- Adjust the barrels of the binoculars so that you see a single, circular field of view.
Focus:
- Close your right eye and use the central focus wheel to focus on an object with your left eye.
- Close your left eye and use the diopter adjustment (usually on the right eyepiece) to focus with your right eye.
- Open both eyes and use the central focus wheel to fine-tune the focus for both eyes together.

Once your binoculars are adjusted, they are set for your eyes. You should only need to use the central focus wheel during your birding walk.

Watch this video on adjusting for a step-by-step guide.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Video

Tips for New Birders

Start with Common Birds: Begin by identifying birds that are common in your area. Familiarize yourself with their shapes, colours, sizes, and behaviours.
Use a Field Guide: A field guide can help you identify birds. Consider using apps like Merlin Bird ID for convenient, on-the-go identification.
- Merlin Bird ID: This FREE app helps you identify birds by offering a guide to the most common species you are likely to encounter based on your location and date. You can identify birds through a few simple questions, a photo, or their calls and songs. It's user-friendly and perfect for beginners. Please remember that while this app is a helpful tool, it can sometimes be inaccurate, so use it as a guide rather than solely relying on it for bird identification. Download Merlin Bird ID app here: iOS Android
Take Notes: Keep a journal of the birds you see, noting their behaviours, calls, and other distinguishing features.
- eBird: This FREE app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology allows you to record the birds you see, track your birding lists, explore real-time maps, and contribute to citizen science. Download the eBird app here: iOS Android
Be Patient: Birding requires patience and quiet observation. Birds may be shy at first, but with time, you'll start noticing more.
Time of Day: Birding is best early in the morning when birds are more active.
Time of the Year: Birding is most rewarding during the Spring (mid-March to mid-June) and Fall (early August to late October), though birds can be observed throughout the year.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Best Birding Locations Near The UM

Explore the diverse habitats around UM for a variety of birding experiences:

King’s Park (approximately 1.5 km from campus): There's a paved path that begins at the parking lot and loops around the entire park.
Bird feeders at Migizii Agamik (on campus): You'll find a picnic table or a small limestone retention wall where you can sit and enjoy a peaceful moment observing the birds that visit the feeders maintained by the UM Indigenous Birding Club.
The lands for the former Southwood Golf and Country Club on the west side of University Cresent and north of Princess Auto Stadium (on campus): The paths are gravel and uneven, and in some areas, they are overgrown. You may need to walk through grassy areas to access all the small, wooded bluffs in this region.
FortWhyte Alive (approximately 12 km from campus): You’ll find wide gravel paths traversing through a variety of habitats. Admission is complimentary for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) folks.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Safety Tips for Birding

Dress for the weather and wear sunscreen: Choose comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Opt for long sleeves and pants to protect against insects, and always apply sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially if you're birding for an extended period.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye out for uneven terrain, wildlife, and changing weather conditions.
Bring a Friend: Whenever possible, go birding with a friend or inform someone of your plans, including your destination and expected return time. Always ensure you have a reliable means of communication, such as a cell phone if you'll be within service range, or a GPS device if you're exploring areas without cell coverage.
Respect Wildlife, the Environment, and Others: Observe birds from a distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviours. Avoid using playback (recorded bird calls) to attract birds and keep away from bird nests. Additionally, be mindful of the environment by leaving no trace and respect other people enjoying nature.
Carry a First Aid Kit: It's always a good idea to have basic first aid supplies with you in case you need them.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Join a Birding Community

There are many opportunities to go birding with other people that are just as keen as you about learning about birds. You are always welcome to join our UMIBC walks that are listed on our website and advertised on our Instagram account. There are also many other birding communities out there and we encourage you to find the one that best fits you.

Photo: Justin Rasmussen

Share your bird joy!

We hope you enjoy your birding adventure with UMIBC binoculars. Share your experiences and photos with us on social media and tag us @umindigenousbirdingclub. We would love to share your birding adventure on our Instagram account.

Representation matters—BIPOC people belong in birding. Let's show the world that #weoutthere. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to DM us on Instagram. We would LOVE to hear from you!

Happy birding!

Photo: Justin Rasmussen