The Quiet Joys of Winter Wildlife
November 16, 2024
Day Program, Four Seasons: Nature Retreats, Meditation & Mindfulness, On Land Retreats
Program Description
Discover the art and science of mindful birding in this workshop. With guided instruction, you will learn how to engage your senses and tune into the birds around you through simple mindfulness exercises. Mindful birding exercises, which accompany the gentle guided walk, will help you enhance your identification skills and deepen your experience with birds, amplifying the benefits they provide to your overall wellness.
During the program, you will combine bird watching with meditative practice. Your guide will start with a discussion about the Drala Mountain Center land, ecology, and how birds interact with each other, followed by a mindful bird-watching activity designed for beginner birders. You will learn essential bird identification tips and techniques, including how to use binoculars, guides, and apps. The experience will conclude with a discussion about birds’ lives and habitats, followed by an exercise of self-reflection. Binoculars and a mindful birding journal will be provided to participants.
Approximately 3 hours in duration, and lunch is included. Please be mindful to dress for the weather.
Location:
Meeting at the Guest Services Building, just to your right after entering the main gate. Please park in the large parking lot to your left.
Additional Reading:
“Seeing Through Native Eyes: Understanding the Language of Nature” by Jon Young, John Gallagher and Walker Korby
Blog Posts:
Your Guide
Dr. Barb Patterson
Barbara has over thirty years of experience teaching outdoor education. As a professor of Ornithology in the Natural Resources Department at Front Range Community College and a graduate of the Kamana Wilderness Awareness Native Ways of Knowing Program, Barb has intertwined her natural science background with native philosophy.