Meet the Foothills: Birding at the Leighton Art Centre

Can you tell the difference between a Robin and a Sparrow? OK, that one might be a bit easy, but this is the workshop for you if you’ve ever wished you knew more about birds!

This interactive outdoor experience will focus on the birds that can be found at the Leighton Art Centre in our Alberta Foothills. Come and walk our Bluebird Trail and learn about the special bird adaptations that make each species successful in the diverse environment at the Centre. We will look for the soarers (hawks and falcons), the perchers (wrens, bluebirds etc.), the walkers (plovers, killdeers, robins) and the waders and swimmers (ducks and geese). We will learn how to best use our binoculars, discover special identification features of each species of birds, and become familiar with using keys and field guides to identify the ones we do see. During the workshop, we will be taking a bird inventory too.

For a more joyful and comfortable visit to the Leighton Art Centre, please bring a water bottle, long pants, insect repellant, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Walking poles may be a good addition. We strongly suggest you bring your camera and binoculars too!

Here is what past participants have said about Jim Critchley`s nature tour at the Leighton Art Centre:

” I left with excellent knowledge and understanding of the birds and animals that call the Leighton property and the general vicinity their home. Additionally, Jim provided me with insight about their distinguishing characteristics, habits, etc. ”

” The Leighton Art Centre is a superb location. Our kids enjoyed hunting for tracks and we all found out lots of information from Jim.”

Audience: This nature tour is open to curious people of all ages! Families are welcome to join! Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Most suitable for ages 5 and up!

Weather: This is an outdoor workshop, please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Extremely poor weather may result in cancellation. For our cancellation & refund policy, please see below.

Supplies: Please bring a water bottle, long pants, insect repellant, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Walking poles may be a good addition. We suggest you bring your camera and binoculars too.

You may also want to pack a picnic and spend the day with us after the workshop, and be sure to check out the Museum & Gallery while you’re here!

Registration cost:  

Single Ticket (single adult or extra child): $10 plus GST and Eventbrite Fees*

Family Package (2 Adults + 2 Children): $25 plus GST and Eventbrite Fees*

* Or register by phone: 403-931-3633, Mon-Fri, 10 am – 4 pm to avoid Eventbrite fees 

Did you know that Members of the Leighton Art Centre get 10% off the registration cost of all workshops and kids’ summer camps? Please visit  https://leightoncentre.org/join-us/become-a-member/.

All participants must sign our Covid-19 Liability waiver prior to their participation in a workshop. You can view our Covid-19 liability waiver here: https://leightoncentre.org/workshop-covid-19-liability-release-waiver/

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Please note there is a NO REFUND policy on all Leighton Art Centre workshops. A refund will be only be issued to participants if the workshop is cancelled by the workshop coordinator due to insufficient enrollment, extreme weather conditions, or Covid-19 restrictions. Workshops may be cancelled prior to the start date and participants will be notified via email and/or phone, and a full refund will be processed.

Withdrawal from workshops for medical reasons must be accompanied by a doctor’s medical note and must be received by the Leighton workshop coordinator prior to the workshop start date to be qualified for a full refund.

Guide’s Biography

This workshop will be led by retired Science Teacher, biologist and naturalist, Jim Critchley B.E.S, B.Ed, M.Ed. Jim is an experienced field researcher and Educator. He holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and has worked as a research technologist on an Atlantic salmon spawning river for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.