Start here | Kingston Bird Club

What is birding?

You might know it as birdwatching. We say birding, because it’s about more than watching! Birdability, a non-profit that makes birding accessible, defines birding simply as “the act of enjoying wild birds.” That can look like:

looking, listening, or both
walking a trail, or sitting on a bench, in a bird blind or by a window
from a car, or on a screen
with binoculars, or without
knowing lots of bird names, or hardly any
on your own, or with others

All of it counts, and if you enjoy birds, you’re already a birder! That’s why we run all kinds of events, not just walks.

What our events are like

There’s always at least one club exec at every event. We have different types of events:

Bird outing: Birding outdoors in or around Kingston, looking and listening as we go.
Indoor meet-up: A meet up indoors, like our bird study group or crafts nights. No weather to worry about!
Collaboration: An event we run together with another club or group.
Special event: One-off events, like the Christmas Bird Count or the Big Sit!

On a bird outing, we meet at a set spot and follow a route our exec has planned. It isn’t a guided tour with one person doing all the talking as we’re all exploring together!

Most outings last about 2 hours, but you’re free to leave early or join in mid-way. We go at a slower pace, since we stop often for birds! Nobody is expected to know what anything is, and asking “what’s that bird?” is half the fun.

What to bring

For outdoor events:

Clothes for the weather, plus an extra layer by the lake
Comfortable shoes
Water, and a snack if you like
Binoculars if you have them (if not, we’ll lend you ours!)
Your phone, if you want to try the Merlin bird app or take photos
Curiosity

Getting there

We try to pick spots that are accessible by public transit! We also try to offer free carpooling from downtown Kingston whenever possible, as we understand transportation can be a barrier. You can indicate that you need a ride when you sign up via the RSVP form, or just email us and ask!

Accessibility

Events list access notes, like terrain, seating and washrooms, when we have them. If something would make it easier for you to come, email contact@kingstonbirdclub.ca and we’ll do what we can!

We are also working on creating a guide to accessible birding spots around Kingston!

Helpful resources

Merlin Bird ID: a free app that helps you identify a bird from a photo, a sound, or a few questions.
eBird: a free app and website to log what you see and find out what’s been spotted nearby. Every checklist also becomes data that scientists use to study and protect birds!
Getting started with birding, from the Trust for Public Land.
Birding in the Kingston region, from the Kingston Field Naturalists

Questions people ask

Do I need to know anything about birds?

Not at all! Lots of us are still learning too, and we’re happy to say so.

Does it cost anything?

We keep events free whenever we can! When there is a cost, we’ll always say so in the event details. It might be:

Farther trips, like to Amherst Island or Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory: if you carpool, we may ask you to chip in for gas.
Conservation areas with an admission fee: everyone pays their own fee.
Parking, where there’s a fee.
Indoor spaces: if we need to rent a room, we may ask everyone to chip in to cover it.

Can I come on my own?

Of course! Plenty of people do, and our events are an easy way to meet people.

Do I need to worry about ticks?

A little, yes! The Kingston area is a high-risk area for blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. Ticks can be out whenever it’s above about 4°C, so that includes warm days in spring, fall and even winter.

Wear long pants tucked into your socks, and light colours so ticks are easier to spot.
Use a bug spray with DEET or icaridin, and stick to paths where you can.
After an outing, do a full tick check: scalp, behind the ears, armpits, waist, groin and behind the knees. A shower soon after helps wash off ticks that haven’t attached yet.

More from the Government of Canada, including how to remove a tick safely.

Do I have to be a member to come?

Nope! Events are open to everyone. Members might get priority notice though!

Do I need to be a Queen’s student?

No! Although some of our executive members are Queen’s students, you don’t have to be one to take part. We’re a community club open to everyone in Kingston.

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