Upcoming Events
If you would like to share a mindful birding event, please reach out to us
using our events form by clicking the button below.
Slow Birding in Warren with the Bird Diva
‘Out There’, Vermont Public’s environmental newsletter, and Bird Diva Bridget Butler are teaming up for a Slow Birding outing that will offer up a mindful approach to birding that will connect you with birds, the land, and yourself. Bridget will lead you on an outcome-free outing that will focus on getting to know birds beyond their identification.
Mindful Birding at the Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA - led by Holly Merker
(This event is now SOLD OUT with a waiting list)
In Mindful Birding we will combine observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a heightened awareness of both ourselves and the world around us. Through guided instruction, we’ll practice simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the abundant birds surrounding us on this autumn day in the Morris Arboretum & Gardens Natural Lands area.
Mindful Birding with Molly Adams
Are you interested in learning more about the birds that live and migrate through the Catskills? Join Molly Adams, founder of the Feminist Bird Club and co-author of Birding for a better World, for a mindful birding event where we will spend time enjoying birds outdoors on the Opus 40 grounds. No experience is necessary, and this event is for both new and life-long birders alike. This two-hour event will include sitting in place and slowly moving through the woodlands while we notice the birds around us.
Slow Birding in Newport with the Bird Diva
‘Out There’, Vermont Public’s environmental newsletter, and Bird Diva Bridget Butler are teaming up for a Slow Birding outing that will offer up a mindful approach to birding that will connect you with birds, the land, and yourself. Bridget will lead you on an outcome-free outing that will focus on getting to know birds beyond their identification.
Mindful Birding at Dusk
Led by Holly Merker in Newtown Square, PA
Hosted by the Willistown Conservation Trust at Rushton Farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Summer evenings offer soft light and beautiful soundscapes of birds and other nature. Come wind down your day with some Ornitherapy.
Through guided instruction, we'll practice simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the birds surrounding us. Techniques and prompts called “Orntiherapy Explorations” accompany the gently guided walk and sit spots, which through observation enhances our identification skills, while promoting a deepening of our experiences with birds around us. This in turn amplifies the multitude of benefits birds provide to our overall wellness. Participants will be provided Ornitherapy Journals to increase observation and awareness and have a take-away from the experience to continue wherever they go.
Slow Birding in Isle La Motte with the Bird Diva
‘Out There’, Vermont Public’s environmental newsletter, and Bird Diva Bridget Butler are teaming up for a Slow Birding outing that will offer up a mindful approach to birding that will connect you with birds, the land, and yourself. Bridget will lead you on an outcome-free outing that will focus on getting to know birds beyond their identification.
Birding for a Better World & Better You
Join Feminist Bird Club leaders Molly Adams and Meghadeepa Maity in this 5-day retreat as they approach the pursuit of bird-joy through the unique lenses of resistance, connection, liberation, reciprocity, and healing. We explore the major themes in the book through a diversity of practices, including mindful birding, community reflection, and creative expression.
Panama Mindful Birding Retreat
This 7-day mindful birding retreat is set in the lush highlands of western Panama and combines the professional talents of guides and Mindful Birding Network Members Marta Curti, Jenn Sinasac, and special guest Holly Merker.
Nourish yourself while nestled into the invigoratingly green landscapes in the mountains of western Panama’s Cloud Forest, while being treated to incredible food, stellar views, and dynamic birds, mammals, flowers, butterflies, etc. while decompressing from life’s stressors.
We will practice Mindful Birding, Forest Bathing (with a certified guide), Yoga, Nature Journaling, Meditation, and plenty of exploration of the birds and incredible biodiversity this unique area holds.
Because this retreat was carefully designed to be a slow-paced and restorative experience, there will be built-in free time to enjoy the lodge’s many fruit and hummingbird feeders, and relax with your feet up as you enjoy the peace and comfort of the incredible Mount Totumas Resort.
Mindful Birding at the Hunterdon Art Museum
A collaborative event where art intersects Mindful Birding
Join renown artist Debra Ramsay and Mindful Birding Network founder Holly Merker for a guided experience in mindful observation, exploring the wonders of wild birds through art and the birds themselves.
This event will coincide with Debra’s exhibit “Flying Colors”
Stay tuned for more information
Slow Birding Weekend in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
Co-hosted by Bird Diva, Bridget Butler from northwestern Vermont.
Imagine…a cozy fall weekend in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. You’re tucked away at an idyllic retreat where you can let go in order to reconnect with nature and yourself through your love of curiosity of birds. Your meals are taken care of, coffee is ready for you in the morning, and the flow of the weekend is laid out before you. You’ll enjoy the sunrise with the birds and sunsets with other mindful birders looking to reconnect just like you.
This unique immersive experience has been intentionally created to allow each participant the time, the space, and the support to discover or re-discover their innate authentic birder.
Slow Birding in Bellows Falls with the Bird Diva
‘Out There’, Vermont Public’s environmental newsletter, and Bird Diva Bridget Butler are teaming up for a Slow Birding outing that will offer up a mindful approach to birding that will connect you with birds, the land, and yourself. Bridget will lead you on an outcome-free outing that will focus on getting to know birds beyond their identification.
Mindful Birding with Molly Adams
Are you interested in learning more about the birds that live and migrate through the Catskills? Join Molly Adams, founder of the Feminist Bird Club and co-author of Birding for a better World, for a mindful birding event where we will spend time enjoying birds outdoors on the Opus 40 grounds. No experience is necessary, and this event is for both new and life-long birders alike.
Ornitherapy & Mindful Birding at Mt Cuba Center
Led by Holly Merker in Hockessin, Delaware, USA - Register through Mt Cuba Center
Finding balance in our busy and pressured lives can be challenging, but if we allow an appreciation of birds and nature to slow us down we improve our overall well-being. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through the mindful observations of birds and their habitats, we learn not only about them, but about ourselves.
This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Slow Birding with the Kentucky Ornithological Society
Event with Bird Diva Bridget Butler from northwestern Vermont.
Bridget will be co-leading a morning outing and then speaking during the evening.
The Kentucky Ornithological Society will host its spring meeting at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Dates: April 26-28, 2024
Mindful Birding Network Seasonal Gathering
7:30 PM 9:00 PM EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
4:30- 6:00pm PACIFIC
Seasonal Virtual Gathering
This is our seasonal gathering online to highlight our collective work, explore Mindful Birding practices, learn about emerging research and science behind the practice, and connect with each other.
If you’ve already joined the network, you’ll receive reminder and a link to the session through email. Haven’t joined yet? Tap that purple button in the upper right corner to join the network and get on our mailing list!
The network upholds an inclusive space and cultivates kindness and generosity where members can thrive. We celebrate people of all levels of interest, knowledge, abilities, and skill with regard to birds and Mindful Birding.
Birding & Being Tour
On this 10-day retreat, we invite you on a journey of self-discovery - to wonder at nature in the heart of lush tropical rainforests, hike to the top of windswept volcanic spires, and set sail on the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Specifically designed to allow you to experience a profound connection to the natural world, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of ancient tropical forests and develop your mindfulness and meditation practice… in paradise.
Mindful Birding at Dusk
Led by Holly Merker in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Hosted by the Willistown Conservation Trust at Rushton Farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Spring evenings offer soft light and beautiful soundscapes of birds and other nature. Come wind down your day with some Ornitherapy.
Through guided instruction, we'll practice simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the birds surrounding us. Techniques and prompts called “Orntiherapy Explorations” accompany the gently guided walk and sit spots, which through observation enhances our identification skills, while promoting a deepening of our experiences with birds around us. This in turn amplifies the multitude of benefits birds provide to our overall wellness. Participants will be provided Ornitherapy Journals to increase observation and awareness and have a take-away from the experience to continue wherever they go.
Deep Listening & Songbirds
Hosted by Bird Diva, Bridget Butler from northwestern Vermont.
In this online presentation, open your senses to an immersive experience exploring how birds lend their voices to our local soundscapes. Fine-tune your ability to listen to each layer, paying attention to the relationships between sounds. Bird Diva Bridget Butler will guide you through a variety of soundscapes that birds inhabit, adding a whole new layer to the way we listen to the natural world.
Restorative Birding at Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas area, Nevada - Please visit this link to learn more
Did you know that mental health is more correlated with bird diversity than any other group of animals? Take the time to fight the seasonal blues and learn about birding for health. While this is a birding program, the focus will be on mindfulness, relaxation, and community rather than identification. Birders of all levels of experience, ability, and fitness levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged.
Intro to Slow Birding Course
Hosted by Bird Diva, Bridget Butler from northwestern Vermont.
This online 5-week course will guide you in developing an alternative approach to birding; a practice that will allow you to enhance your birding skills by birding in place. Bird Diva Bridget Butler will facilitate a series of weekly sessions through customized email provocations (4), a private online Slow Birding Community membership for 2 months, and live online discussions (5). During this workshop, you’ll learn how to start a Sit Spot practice, enhance your observation skills, and deepen your connection to the birds right outside your door. Runs for four weeks, starting March 5th and ending April 2nd. Dates for discussions are Tuesdays, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, and April 2nd at 6:30 pm EST.
Restorative Birding with Red Rock Audubon
Las Vegas area, Nevada - Please visit this link to learn more
Did you know that mental health is more correlated with bird diversity than any other group of animals? Take the time to fight the seasonal blues and learn about birding for health. While this is a birding program, the focus will be on mindfulness, relaxation, and community rather than identification. Birders of all levels of experience, ability, and fitness levels are welcome. Beginners are encouraged.
This accessible program will take place at the Red Spring Boardwalk. The trail is a 0.6-mile (1 km) raised boardwalk with a total of 62 ft (19 m) of elevation gain. Water is not available at the Red Springs Boardwalk, and a reservation for the Scenic Drive is not required for entry. The BLM Ranger leading this program is not a mental health professional and will make no specific mental health recommendations.
Birding & Zen Poetry
Henderson, Nevada led by Morrigan DeVito of Red Rock Audubon
Join Morrigan DeVito of Red Rock Audubon and poet JM Huck for our first poetry bird walk! At this event, we will go on a slow walk to deeply observe birds and supplement our observations with readings of Asian nature poetry. As a poetic practice, zen poetry teaches us to slow down, be present, and direct our senses towards the natural world. Although identifying birds will not be our primary intent, participants will learn more about the natural history of the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and the connections between birds, plants, insects, and people. All birding skill levels and ages are welcome.
Judi Mae "JM" Huck is an arts administrator and teaching artist fascinated with the intersection of art and science. She holds a bachelor's in Economics and a certificate in Museum Studies.
Ornitherapy - The Practice of Mindful Birding
Attend a free webinar through the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey surrounding the topic of Ornitherapy and the practice of Mindful Birding, presented by Holly Merker, author, Mindful Birding specialist, and podcaster.
Within this webinar, we’ll dive into our connections to birds, explore how to maximize the wellness benefits through mindful observation & learn about the latest research surrounding the impact of nature on human well-being.
Registration is required. Follow this link:
https://tnc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jdBtseQART6sTh0FT2NfXQ#/registration
Mindful Birding Caravan - Peace of Birding at Ding Darling NWR
Sanibel Island, Florida
With Mindful Birding Network Members Dr. Joe Blanda and Ranger Jess
Caravan through the refuge on a Mindful Birding excursion by tram as part of the Wellness in Nature Week events.
Learn more here: https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/wellness
Mindful Birding Experience
North Dakota, US - led by Amanda Booher
This year at our Frostival Annual Winter Birding festival we will have a unique opportunity for a mindful birding experience. Join Audubon's mindful birding bird guide, Amanda Booher, who will guide participants through a mindful birding practice to encourage observation of birds at a heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds will not be the primary focus, but instead, the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides. This style of observation invites self-exploration, reciprocity, and an acknowledgement of our physical and emotional responses while within the practice.
Participants will be expected to be able to walk about 15-20 minutes. Dress for the cold weather. Binoculars are optional. Spots are limited. Free event!
Mindful Birding - Drala Mountain Center
Mindful Birding Experience – When Nature Greets the Soul
Led by Barbara Patterson, Colorado
Mindful Birding Experience – When Nature Greets the Soul
Discover the art of Ornitherapy – a mindful birding practice – in this workshop. With guided instruction, you will learn how to engage your senses and tune into the birds around you through simple mindfulness exercises. Ornitherapy Explorations, which accompany the gentle guided walk, will help you enhance your identification skills and deepen your experience with birds, amplifying the benefits they provide to your overall wellness. To make the most of your experience, consider adding an Ornitherapy Journal.
During the program, you will combine bird watching with meditative practice. Your guide will start with a discussion about the Drala Mountain Center land, ecology, and how birds interact with each other, followed by a mindful bird-watching activity designed for beginner birders. You will learn essential bird identification tips and techniques, including how to use binoculars, guides, and apps. The experience will conclude with a discussion about birds’ lives and habitats, followed by an exercise of self-reflection. Binoculars will be provided to participants.
Mindful Photography at Ding Darling NWR
Mindful Photography at the Bailey Tract
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel, Florida
For more information and link to signup, click here: https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/wellness
Ding Darling NWR Wellness in Nature Week
“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Announces
Wellness in Nature 2024: January 18-21
Save the dates for a four-day weekend focusing on the get-outdoors nature cure. Wellness in Nature at “Ding” centers at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island Jan. 18 through 21, but also reaches out into the greater community with activities at Lakes Park and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers.
Why do we focus on wellness in nature?
“Ding” Darling’s Wellness in Nature event seeks to provide unique, cutting-edge programs and opportunities to connect individuals and communities to themselves, each other, nature, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s mission of conservation.
In essence, people protect what they care about. By fostering opportunities with the purpose of showcasing nature’s endless wellness benefits, the “Ding” Wellness Program helps meet individual and community wellness needs and promotes a deeper, more meaningful relationship between individuals and their planet.
We believe this symbiosis and deep-rooted connection between individuals, communities, and their planet lies at the core of sustainable conservation.
Please join us!
Learn more here: https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/wellness
Mindful Birding Network Seasonal Gathering
This is our seasonal gathering online to highlight our collective work, explore Mindful Birding practices, learn about emerging research and science behind the practice, and connect with each other.
To Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88909131989?pwd=UUtndEFyeDlVTlJZZ1FEYXU4K3lUUT09
Meeting ID: 889 0913 1989
Passcode: 205554
The network upholds an inclusive space and cultivates kindness and generosity where members can thrive. We celebrate people of all levels of interest, knowledge, abilities, and skill with regard to birds and Mindful Birding.
If you’ve already joined the network, you’ll receive a monthly reminder and a link to the session through email. Haven’t joined yet? Tap that purple button in the upper right corner to join the network and get on our mailing list!
Mindful Birding at Drala Mountain Center
Mindful Birding Experience – When Nature Greets the Soul
Led by Barbara Patterson, Colorado
Discover the art of Ornitherapy – a mindful birding practice – in this workshop. With guided instruction, you will learn how to engage your senses and tune into the birds around you through simple mindfulness exercises. Ornitherapy Explorations, which accompany the gentle guided walk, will help you enhance your identification skills and deepen your experience with birds, amplifying the benefits they provide to your overall wellness. To make the most of your experience, consider adding an Ornitherapy Journal.
During the program, you will combine bird watching with meditative practice. Your guide will start with a discussion about the Drala Mountain Center land, ecology, and how birds interact with each other, followed by a mindful bird-watching activity designed for beginner birders. You will learn essential bird identification tips and techniques, including how to use binoculars, guides, and apps. The experience will conclude with a discussion about birds’ lives and habitats, followed by an exercise of self-reflection. Binoculars will be provided to participants.
Mindful Birding at the Festival of the Cranes
New Mexico, USA
Led by Holly Merker
Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that incorporates a heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds is not the primary focus; instead, the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides.
Through guided instruction, we'll practice simple mindfulness exercises that will engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the birds surrounding us. Techniques and prompts called “orntiherapy explorations” will accompany the gently guided walk and sit spots. Ornitherapy explorations enhance our observation skills, promoting a deepening of our experiences with the birds around us. This in turn amplifies the multitude of benefits birds provide to our overall wellness. To increase observation, awareness, and take-away techniques to use wherever life takes them, each participant will receive an ornitherapy journal.
Panama: Intro to Birding & Yoga - Whitehawk Birding
During our ornitherapy tours, our goal is to practice birding in a mindful way – thus this 8-day tour Panama Birding and Yoga tour is designed to be quite different from a typical birding trip. Everything will run at a much slower pace – we will take our time to truly enjoy the beauty and wonder of the birds we do see, while also learning about their natural history. Read more…
A-Way in Nature: a Mindful Outdoor Experience with Birds
Led By Tammah Watts in San Diego, California USA
San Diego Audubon
Deepen your connection with our feathered friends!
In this workshop, Tammah Watts-Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, Licensed therapist (LMFT), best-selling author, and birder-invites you to experience birds in a whole new way wherever you are and whenever you wish. Learn to:
● sit/lie quietly and practice mindfulness in nature (Bird Perch)
● use your senses to observe the birds while leaving your equipment behind
● connect with birds in a meaningful and personal way to enhance your well-being
Mindful (Slow) Birding at the Henderson Preserve
Henderson, Nevada - Led by Morrigan DeVito
Come destress and enjoy the sounds and sights at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve this morning. We will go on a slow walk around Pond 1 and have a sit spot to listen to the birds. Our intent is to spend time with the birds that show up in the moment rather than listing all the species we see. We will do some mindfulness exercises to bring awareness to the moment and engage our senses. Mindfulness helps us be present in the moment rather than focusing on the past or future. In nature, mindfulness allows us to fully engage our senses (like sight, sound, and touch) and finetune our observation skills. This is a great event for beginners, but all skill-levels are welcome, as mindfulness helps us slow down and notice more about the birds we see. What will we discover together?
Mindful Birding at Henderson Bird Viewing Area
Henderson, Nevada - led by Morrigan DeVito
Join Morrigan DeVito for some birding with zen!
Ornitherapy for a Wellness Retreat
Delaware, USA
Ornitherapy section led by Holly Merker
Retreat to Ashland Nature Center for more than 24 hours of activities that will benefit your health, mind, mood, and soul.
Forget about your day-to-day life and immerse yourself in the natural world, healthy food, nature observation, art, and more to give your mind and body a needed break.
On Friday evening, enjoy a campfire circle and some astronomy with an expert. Stay the night at the Ashland Nature Center lodge (or sleep at home if you wish).
On Saturday, wake up with an early gentle-yoga session that is suitable for all. After breakfast, relax with both Forest Bathing and Ornitherapy. Both activities are designed to put you in touch with nature in a mindful, relaxing, and rejuvenating way that you will love.
For more info, click here: https://14360.blackbaudhosting.com/14360/womens-wellness-weekend-in-nature--ashland-nature-center
Mindful Birding at the Garret Farm, NJ
Mindful Birding in Cape May, New Jersey
The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey and New Jersey Audubon are co-hosting an inclusive birding outing and nature preserve tour as part of the celebration, on Wednesday, October 18 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This event is open to people of all birding levels, from first-timers to pros. Together at a leisurely pace, we will explore one mile of trail at the Garrett Family Preserve. While birding, will learn about the preserve’s history and habitat. At about halfway through the tour, we will gather at the shaded pavilion of the preserve to practice mindful birding for about 20 minutes. This practice aims to deeply engage with and enjoy the birds and nature around you. Feel free to bring a journal for nature journaling!
This event is limited to 10 people; You will receive an email from TNC staff confirming that you have reserved a space on the tour. If you do not receive an email, that means the event is full. If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact Lily Mullock ( lillian.mullock@tnc.org ) before the event.
Mindful Birding at the Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Led by Holly Merker
In Mindful Birding we will combine observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a heightened awareness of both ourselves and the world around us. Through guided instruction, we’ll practice simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the abundant birds surrounding us on this autumn day in the Morris Arboretum & Gardens Natural Lands area.
This class will provide a reprieve from life’s stressors and pressures, stimulate your overall well-being, sharpen and enhance your identification skills, and more. We will slow down and notice the world around us, using the birds as our guides! Participants will be provided with ‘Ornitherapy Journals’ to increase observation and awareness and have a take-away from the experience. Sign up for one or both of the sessions.
Session 1: Wednesday, September 20
9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Session 2: Saturday, October 14
9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Registration here: https://experience.morrisarboretum.org/SelectTime.aspx
In the here and now: Mindful bird watching at the Varel bird tower
Nationalpark Wattenmeer, Germany
Event led by Dr. Angelika Nelson , Author of The Power of Birdwatching
Experience the bird world from a different perspective! At the “bird tower” on the Vareler Watt you can watch wading birds and listen to songbirds. Discover the silence of the morning or evening and enjoy the bird calls. Recharge your batteries and promote your health in nature. We switch off from everyday life and connect with the natural world. When we practice mindful bird watching, we live in the present moment. Everyone is welcome, even without bird knowledge. Be amazed and discover new things!
Guided by Dr. Angelika Nelson, author of the book “The Power of Birdwatching.”
Please bring a comfortable seat and, if necessary, binoculars. The event will be canceled in case of bad weather.
The path to the tower leads approx. 300 m over uneven terrain, which can be softened when it rains (make sure you have suitable footwear). The tower platforms can only be reached via steep stairs. A mobile toilet is available at the lock.
Mindful Birding Network Seasonal Gathering
Zoom link here: Topic: Mindful Birding Network Fall Gathering 2023
Time: Oct 10, 2023 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) -4:30p PDT
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86152937688?pwd=NjRlT05PdCtGd3VGbkxjNG12aGNWUT09
Meeting ID: 861 5293 7688
Passcode: 812730
This is our seasonal gathering online to highlight our collective work, explore Mindful Birding practices, learn about emerging research and science behind the practice, and connect with each other.
The network upholds an inclusive space and cultivates kindness and generosity where members can thrive. We celebrate people of all levels of interest, knowledge, abilities, and skill with regard to birds and Mindful Birding.
If you’ve already joined the network, you’ll receive a monthly reminder and a link to the session through email. Haven’t joined yet? Tap that purple button in the upper right corner to join the network and get on our mailing list!