Nature Education Workshop Sessions
Join our interactive workshop sessions to explore Ontario's natural history through online engaging activities and teachings.
Online Learning Experience
Participate in seasonal virtual class sessions exploring Canada's diverse ecosystems and wildlife through interactive learning.
In-Person Workshops
Experience hands-on learning in nature with guided workshops focused on local flora and fauna.
Discover the wonders of nature through engaging activities and expert-led discussions in our workshops.
Interactive Nature Exploration
Bird Identification Course - Spring 2026
Brian is offering a 4-week workshop on Bird Identification. Two of the classes will be virtual and two will be a guided hike in May. The virtual sessions will held on Thursday April 23 & 30th from 6 - 7:30pm. The two hikes will be held at Thickson's Woods on Saturday May 2 and May 9th from 9:00am - 12 noon.
Workshops Include the following:
Week #1 - Learning Identification Methods - Naturalist/Ornithologist Brian Joyce will go over some of the basics on how to use the various bird guides or bird apps when out in the field. He will start with easier large species such as waterfowl and woodpeckers to begin using ID methods and how to use the 5 S's of identification. (Thursday April 23rd - 6:00 - 7:30pm -virtual)
Week #2 - Exploring our Sparrows and Warblers. We will jump into how to spot the little brown jobs (sparrows) and the very popular warbler species. This will include what habitats to visit, various movement strategies, markings and songs. We will look at the more common and uncommon species along with a few rarities you might encounter. This may go into 2hrs so please be prepared. (Thursday April 30th - 6:00 - 7:30pm - virtual)
Week # 3 - You will receive a guided tour exploring Thickson's Woods for waterfowl, woodpeckers and warblers. We will be working with a scope to show you how to scan the lake for various waterfowl species then taking a walk into the woods to see what sparrows and warblers have arrived. Brian will be using techniques that we learned in class and how to properly use binoculars quickly. We will also learn about migration monitoring and the role they play in protecting our avian species. (Saturday May 2nd - 9:00am - 12:00pm)
Week #4 - This hike will be guided by the participants as they use the in-class and previous hike experience to help identify the birds on the walk. Brian will help during the walk to verify various species on the hike. (Saturday May 9th - 9:00am - 12:00pm)
*Meet at 2503 Thickson Road South (Thickson's Woods) Whitby
Cost** - $100 for all 4 workshops payable by EFT, cheque or cast. A receipt will be supplied upon request.
If you are interested in participating in the workshop please email Brian at info@birdsbeesandtrees.ca.
Natural History Presentations
Brian will bring his wide range of natural history knowledge to the classroom, group or public events. Brian has presented to naturalist groups, classrooms, Probus groups and public libraries all over Ontario. Brian brings his experiences, knowledge and humor, along with his bat buddy Bob, to the class as well. Learn about different species, their habitats, conservation efforts and what you can do to help our environment. These creative presentations unite naturalists and nature lovers alike while fostering a deep respect for the wildlife around us.
$250 plus mileage
Topics Include (but not limited to): Birds, Bird Identification, Songbird Migration Monitoring, Raptors, Owls, Reptiles, Amphibians, Bats, Mammals, Fish, Insects, Wildflowers, Trees, Ecosystems in Ontario/Canada, Flora and Fauna symbiotic relationships....etc.
Explore
Engaging sessions on Ontario's natural history await you!
