Slow Meditative Birding Journey

Do you enjoy a slow walk in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of Tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for seeds and insects in the grass? Join Certified California Naturalists and Sugarloaf docents for this series of meandering explorations. Each month (weather permitting) we will explore one or two of our three accessible trails-- the Creekside Trail, the Nature Trail, and the Meadow trail. Suitable for all levels and a range of mobility, these Sunday afternoon adventures will accommodate people using walkers or wheelchairs, young children, parents with babies in strollers, as well as those who just enjoy slow walks in nature that stimulate the five senses.

Our October outing will focus on meditative birding. We will start off by sitting quietly for 10 minutes with Merlin app recording in 3 different locations, followed by about 10 minutes of discussion of the birds we heard, using Cornell to confirm their calls and songs before moving onto the next sitting spot. We will also saunter (while looking for birds) between the locations for a total distance of ~1.3 miles on an accessible trail. Birding by ear lends itself to meditation because it works best when you sit silently and listening closely (i.e., if Merlin *hears* something you did not, it reminds you that your mind has wandered).

Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Tickets day-of, on site will be $10 and might not be available. Meet at the White Barn parking lot.