Learn about some of the 270+ species of birds that call Calgary home by taking one of our birdwatching programs. Our programs include visits to some of Calgary’s natural areas and are led by birding experts, who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with birders of all levels.

Learn to Birdwatch

Are you interested in learning about the unique songs, shapes and colours of local bird species? An 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 program combines class and field time. Please dress for the weather.

Spring Migrants

Spring is an excellent time to observe birds in their breeding plumage, and view mating and nesting behaviours unique to this season. An experienced birder will guide the group through Confederation Park, providing information on migration, Calgary’s unique habitat, bird breeding and nesting periods and identification tips. This program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Summer Sightings

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 program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.​

Summer Birding Safari

Join us on this fun summer birding adventure with a bussed field trip to Frank Lake (south of Calgary).  On this journey, we will explore some of the incredible prairie and wetland ecosystems that many birds call home.  Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this program will allow you to develop your birding skills while experiencing breathtaking landscapes, the natural beauty of Frank Lake, and countless avian sightings!  This program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.  Note: Registration includes bus transportation. Please bring a lunch and water.​

Form and Function

How are birds able to maintain flight at high altitudes? How do birds see? How do birds survive and thrive in their ecosystems? Find out the answers to these questions and more with help from an expert birder, at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. This program combines class and field time. Please dress for the weather.​

Fall Migrants

Observe songbirds, waterfowl and raptors with an expert birder, and learn about species that migrate to Alberta for the winter. An experienced birder will guide this tour through Confederation Park, providing information on migration routes, avian navigation and identification tips. This program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Females and Fall Feathers

Join an experienced birdwatcher to learn how to identify birds in alternate plumage and how to differentiate among females of similar species. This program includes a guided tour of the historic Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for a chance to observe both resident and migratory birds and learn tricks and tips that will aid in identification. This program combines class and field time. Please dress for the weather.

Winged Wonders of Winter

Birding is a year-round hobby, even in Calgary. Join our expert birder and explore Carburn Park to learn about adaptations that enable birds to survive the winter, tips and tricks to help identify species in winter plumage and why birds overwinter in Calgary. This program takes place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

• Some programs have age restrictions. You must be the correct age before or on the start date of the program.
• You must complete program pre-requisites before registering for a program.
• To register for a program using fee assistance, call 403-268-3800 and Choose Option 1 or register in-person at a facility.