Last year I attended the Birding Course put on by Lambton Wildlife over the course of several weeks. Many presenters shared their wisdom and experience on identifying, locating, and photographing birds, as well as the equipment and references needed to succeed as a birder.
The last part of the event was a morning walk through Canatara Park on a beautiful morning, April 30th, 2016. Many of the course attendees showed up with their binoculars and their new found enthusiasm to identify birds by sight and sound.
Larry Cornelis and Deryl Nethercott were two of the course’s presenters and they pointed out various birds that they heard or spotted during the walk.
There were about 30 people on the walk at any given time, although the group didn’t always stay together. The walk started on the southwest side of Lake Chipican, near the Animal Farm.
Ducks were spotted out on the inland lake, as well as some other waterfowl.
Experienced members helped point out birds in the canopy, which could be easily seen since the trees were still bare.
A common sight during bird outtings – many people pointing their binoculars in a general direction in hopes of spotting the bird everyone else has already seen. 
Birders of all levels took part in the stroll and enjoyed talking with each other about the bird course and birds they have since been able to easily identify.
Lake Chipican looked beautiful on this calm, sunny spring day.
Seeing as I only brought my 24-105mm lens, the only bird photographs I was able to take were of this tame mallard duck.
Dame’s Rockets were already blooming in the park and other plants were starting to poke out from under their leafy winter blankets.
Gorgeous reflection of the bird box in the side part of the lake. Soon those floating logs will be sporting painted turtles.
