The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation is giving adults a chance to explore a different side of nature this summer through its new “Love in the Wild” program on July 16.
Held for the first time this season, the 18-plus presentation introduced participants to the surprising courtship behaviours and mating adaptations found throughout the animal kingdom. The program was led by Alberta Parks summer interpreter Alisa
Echeverria, with five people attending the first program session.
Patti Campsall, executive director of the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, says the event marks a new direction for the organization’s summer programming.
“Our focus has always been so much around families and children that we thought we’d try some adult programming this summer,” Campsall says.
Exploring nature’s relationships
Although birds were featured prominently, the presentation explored courtship rituals across a wide variety of species.
Campsall says attendees learned about everything from elaborate bird displays and dances to the unique ways animals such as ducks and snails attract mates.
“The animal world has a whole lot of different ways… they can do their thing,” she says.
The hour-long presentation is part of a broader lineup of educational summer programs offered through a partnership between Alberta Parks, the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory and the Lesser Slave Forest Education Society.
Looking ahead
While the Love in the Wild program was the Boreal Centre’s first adult-focused program of the summer, it won’t be the last.
A second presentation is scheduled for Aug. 20, giving more adults the opportunity to explore the fascinating courtship behaviours and mating adaptations of animals.
The Boreal Centre’s summer calendar also includes several other nature-based programs. Guided plant walks will continue with a trip to Whispering Sands on July 30, followed by a walk through a local Boreal Bog near the Northshore day-use area on Aug. 13. Another adult craft night is planned for Aug. 6, although the featured project has yet to be announced.
Campsall says one of her favourite summer activities remains the public bird observatory tours, where visitors can watch bird banding and learn about local species firsthand.
“I love watching people when they see these tiny little birds getting banded for the first time,” Campsall says. “It’s just this really magic moment.”
The drop-in bird observatory tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. until the end of August.
Families can also visit the Boreal Centre to take part in the Melvin the Moose mystery activity, an interactive wildlife-themed experience that has received
positive feedback from visitors this summer.
Looking beyond the summer season, Campsall says the Boreal Centre is already
preparing for its popular owl night programs, which are expected to return in late September or early October.
“Our educators work really hard on coming up with exciting, interesting programs,” Campsall says. “You want to make sure everyone has a good time.”
More information about upcoming programs is available on the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation and Alberta Parks Facebook
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader