Birding for All – Mindful Birding Workshop

Mindful birding is an inclusive practice for all abilities, all ages, and all needs. It is naturally a comfortable and welcoming environment for underrepresented individuals as well as participants who have physical and mental challenges, and those with special learning needs. There is no level of competition or level of experience expected.

Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that incorporates heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds is not the primary focus, instead, the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides. This style of observation invites self-exploration, reciprocity, and an acknowledgment of our physical and emotional responses while within the practice.

The guiding principles of Mindful Birding are:

• an awareness of being in the moment with the birds
• an intention to turn our attention to birds and nature for self-care
• of being without judgment in order to allow an experience to be what it will be, and not be disappointed by what happens (or doesn’t)
• an exploration of one’s curiosity, wonder, and openness to experiencing awe

Dr. Barbra Patterson will be leading this Mindful Birding Workshop outdoors at Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center (14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton CO 80603). This workshop will be held outside, please dress and prepare for the weather. There are mildly sloping ADA hard packed gravel trails around the Environmental Learning Center which will be utilized. There are also ADA accessible indoor and outdoor restrooms available on site.

Registration is required and space is limited!