BLPA World Migratory Bird Day - Guided Walk using Merlin & eBird apps

Did you know? Fall is a great time to visit Burnaby Lake and see the migratory birds that stop off to rest and refuel before continuing north on the Pacific Flyway to their breeding grounds. This year's theme is "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities". If you want to learn more, visit the World Migratory Bird Day website.

Have you ever gone for a walk in the park and saw a cool looking bird and you wondered what it was? Join the BLPA for a guided nature walk using the Merlin and eBird apps to help identify birds and keep track of the birds you have seen.

• They are some of the world’s most popular birding apps
• The Merlin app helps you identify the birds around you
• eBird creates a checklist of the birds you have seen
• By recording and sharing your observations, you are participating in citizen science by creating research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
• You can use the apps without data and upload your eBird checklist when you get home.

Your BLPA Guide will teach you how to use the apps and offer tips and tricks to get the best identification for your bird encounters and keep track of them.

After the introduction, we will go out into the park so you can use the app right away.

In order for the event to start on time, PLEASE do the 3 steps below

Step 1: Download the Merlin and eBird apps (there is no wifi in the park)

• Merlin
• eBird

Step 2: Create an account and download data

• Make an account for both Merlin and eBird (They are linked)
• Download bird packs for BC and sound ID on your phone (about 1GB of space)

S tep 3: Bring your phone to the event

• You will learn how to use the apps at the event

This event will be limited to 10 participants.

Meet near the kiosk in front of the Burnaby Lake Nature House - look for the BLPA flag.

Please take note that if the weather is nice, the parking lot can be very busy. You may need to park along Piper Avenue or at Warner Loat Park right off of Winston which is a 450 m/5 minute walk to the Nature House. There are also train tracks crossing which may be blocked from time to time. See map below.

If you would like detailed driving directions or how to get there by transit, click here.

• A phone or tablet or camera to take pictures at the park, in a weather resistant case.
• The apps downloaded and an account made
• Please check the forecast and dress for the weather so you are safe. If sunny, wear a comfortable hat, coverup, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

We welcome everyone, including people with disabilities, people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), and people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+).

We’ll be using Burnaby Lake Regional Park trails which are accessible to wheelchair-users, people who use mobility aids, or child strollers.

MEETING LOCATION: Meet near the kiosk in front of the Burnaby Lake Nature House - look for the BLPA flag.

*Construction notice* - Please take note that there is construction along Winston Street which includes single lane traffic that may add an additional 5 minutes to your trip. Details for the Winston Street Sewer project can be found here.

If you would like detailed driving directions or how to get there by transit, click here.

We look forward to seeing you! Space is limited. If you are no longer able to make it, we ask that you cancel your ticket so that someone else may attend.

Also check out other Meetups in Burnaby.