Be a Better Birder

RPBO's "Be a Better Birder" comprehensive and immersive 1-Day or 2-Day courses are designed to help you become a better birder! Whether you are a beginner, or looking to refine your skills, these courses offer many insights into the fascinating world of birds. Revenue from these offerings supports our monitoring programs - these courses will empower you to become a better birder AND support bird conservation.

Gull ID workshop (theory and field visit) by Joachim Bertrands

Back by popular demand: de Gull ID workshop! Our beautiful coastline makes for a great study environment when it comes to some of the most feared groups of birds: gulls. Feared not so much for their aggressive hunger for French fries, but among birders rather for their confusing plumages, which easily confuse even experienced observers. After last winter's successful trip, Joachim is keen on sharing his knowledge once again, with the same hands-on approach. Join for a morning of theory, addressing all the confusing gulls our beaches have to offer, and head out in the field in the afternoon to put this theory to the test.

This event supports Rocky Point Bird Observatory monitoring programs.

The class will take place at the community building in Outerbridge Park, accessed from Blenkinsop Road. The gate will be open, allowing you to park beside the building.

RPBO volunteers will be on hand to greet you and begin the class at 9:30 am. The class will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Please note that the community building is rustic. The building is heated, but does not provide an indoor bathroom. There is a port-a-potty behind the building.

RPBO has compiled a list of birds you might encounter while visiting the park. See: https://rpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/outerbridge_park.pdf

Please bring a bag lunch to enjoy at noon. Plan to take the opportunity to explore beautiful Outerbridge Park. This property (3.8 ha (9.3 acres)) was owned by Mrs. Outerbridge from the late 80s to 2005. She spent these years creating gardens, ponds and landscape features to create an oasis for wildlife, particularly birds. For many years, the property was known locally as the ‘Shangri-La Bird and Nature Sanctuary’ and was open to the public. Mrs. Outerbridge offered to sell the property to Saanich with the understanding that the park would be kept as a bird and nature sanctuary, and in 2005 it became a park. A wide variety of native and ornamental plants can be seen in formal and naturalistic settings; many are chosen for the food and shelter they offer birds.

Drawing Lifelike Birds (Level One)

Presented by Ashlea Veldhoen
Sunday, February 9, 2025
10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Outerbridge Park (via Blenkinsop entrance)

$59 non-member $53 RPBO member $53 Student

BABB Step into the fascinating world of drawing birds with our live drawing session featuring beautiful and intricate bird specimens. Join instructor and RPBO Lead Educator Ashlea Veldhoen to explore the graceful curves of wings, the delicate structure of feathers, and the mesmerizing details of beaks and claws.

This first portion of the workshop will explore bird anatomy, followed by a live drawing session of moving birds within the gardens at Outerbridge Park.

Following a brief lunch break, we will be drawing a stationary bird. Participants should come prepared with a packed lunch, their binoculars (if they prefer using their own vs borrowing a pair), a small cushion or pillow to sit upon outside, proper clothing for the weather, and an open mind to learning new skills. Participants can enjoy this workshop without drawing experience. All the instructor asks is that participants let go of perfectionism, be open to learning, and, of course, to having fun!

All drawing supplies will be provided.

Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop will ignite your creativity and deepen your appreciation for the beauty of birds.

Max registrations: 10 people

Drawing Lifelike Birds (Level Two)

Presented by Ashlea Veldhoen
Sunday, February 16, 2025
10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Outerbridge Park (via Blenkinsop entrance)

$59 non-member $53 RPBO member $53 Student

BABB 2 A 4-hour workshop building upon the skills and techniques learned in level one, focusing on drawing birds in greater detail, adding colour, shading and perspective. A focus will be placed on deeper observation of texture, colour, shades and elevating drawing techniques.

Students will have the opportunity to do live sketches of birds within the park boundaries, as well as stationary sketches of still birds from photos and preserved specimens. There will be a brief lunch break between the morning and afternoon segments.

This workshop requires no prior experience though attending the level one workshop will aid in building basic skills. Students should dress appropriately for the weather, pack a lunch, and something to sit on in case the ground outside is damp.