For the birds: a London, Ont. guide to the growing hobby

Interested in birdwatching? Birders in London, Ont., share advice on what to look for, where to look and how to get started in the hobby.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns and restrictions appear to have sparked more than a passing interest in birdwatching, or birding.

And for those looking to get started in the hobby, local experts are sharing advice – and enthusiasm.

While birdwatching may have a reputation for “being kind of snobby,” said Brendon Samuels, “birdwatching can and should be accessible to everyone.”

Samuels is the co-ordinator for Bird Friendly London, a grassroots community group formed in 2021 “that’s all about getting Londoners out to enjoy birds in their habitat.”

He said the uptick in interest in birding that began during the pandemic is maintaining momentum. Bird Friendly London’s Facebook page is now at more than 1,000 members.

Peter Read, 72, a self-described “amateur and professional birdwatcher,” sits on the diversity committee for Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), and said everyone is welcome to the hobby, regardless of physical ability, knowledge, gender identity, race, religion or sexual orientation.

“There are some who are stuck in their ways who won’t even speak to anybody who doesn’t know their bluebird from their house wren,” he admitted, “(but) because I was a teacher for so long, I just want everybody to be involved. I want everybody to learn.”

Local birder Susan Nagy, 58, always enjoyed birds but said she began to seriously pursue the hobby in 2019. She noticed an increase in activity on area paths during the pandemic and a resulting increase in birdwatching.