Biodiversity University is run by the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont.

Sounds a bit strange, “slow birding.” Watching birds isn’t really fast in the first place, and the pace of a birder in the field is already slow and methodical. But, it is possible to change how we approach traditional birding and what we get out of it. Slow Birding is a practice that builds a deeper observation of birds while at the same time creating a deeper connection to yourself and the place you live.

Birding or bird watching is one of the top three hobbies in North America. People spend thousands of dollars a year on equipment, guides, birdseed, feeders, and travel in order to enjoy birds. Birds are everywhere, from cities to farmlands, from the mountains to the shorelines. Birding can be competitive and methodical, or it can be mindful and meditative. Recent studies have shown that noticing birds can improve your mental health, reduce depression and improve memory and attentiveness. Other research points out that just being in nature has the power to make us happier.

Bird Diva Bridget Butler will share the practice of Slow Birding and how you can awaken your innate birding skills and reconnect with nature. She’ll share a variety of techniques that will help you look at birds, listen to them and interpret their behavior that will not only build your skills as a naturalist but will provide you with a practice that will allow you to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.

Course Goals and Objectives

• Participants will learn how to create a practice of observing birds using the sit spot method

• Participants will learn the birding by impression approach to knowing birds

• Participants will develop skills to practice deep listening based in acoustic ecology as it relates to the landscape and bird vocalizations

• Participants will learn how to notice and interpret a variety of bird behaviors

• Participants will reflect on biophilia & kinship with nature

• Participants will learn how to weave mindfulness practices into their slow birding practice