Hamilton 
Events Description
Have you already been out exploring birds in the field but would like to learn more about the identification nuances between similar species? Are you interested in delving deeper into understanding bird behaviour, adaptations, and migration? If these questions ring true for you, then “The Joy of Birding” is the program for you!
Join Barry, Angelique and other birders as we together explore the use of field marks, behaviour, taxonomy, timing, calls, songs, and habitat preferences to identify species in the field. To provide you with a high quality experience, each session is kept to a small group size of 12 registrants. Sessions take place in a variety of habitats on RBG lands, including the Arboretum, Hendrie Valley, Laking Garden, Princess Point, or the Aviary. 3 hours long, for more experienced birders.
To prepare for your birding session, please consider the following:
- Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes.
- We will be hiking slowly for a few kilometers over the course of 2-3 hours.
- Please bring a water bottle, and snacks in case you get hungry.
- Binoculars are a must, but if you don’t have a good pair, we can lend you a pair for the outing.
- Although we love animals, please leave your pets at home.
- To protect our natural ecosystems, we ask you to stay on the trails and refrain from feeding the wildlife.
HOW MUCH
Tickets: $25 per session + $2 service Fee & HST (Members 10% off)
Pre-Registration Required
How to get tickets?
Registration Closes: 2 days prior
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
2026 Spring Sessions
| Date | Time | Meet Location* | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Apr 12, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
| Wed Apr 15, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Cherry Hill Gate | Angelique Mori |
| Sat Apr 18, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Arboretum Pavilion | Barry Coombs |
| Sat Apr 25, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Cherry Hill Gate | Barry Coombs |
| Wed Apr 29, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Laking Upper Parking Lot | Barry Coombs |
| Sun May 3, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
| Sun May 5, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Aviary | Angelique Mori |
| Sat May 16, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Cherry Hill | Angelique Mori |
| Tues May 19, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
| Wed May 20, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Laking Upper Parking Lot | Barry Coombs |
| Sun May 24, 2026 | 5 to 8 p.m. | Aviary | Barry Coombs |
| Thurs May 28, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Heather Hosten |
| Sat May 30, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Cherry Hill Gate | Barry Coombs |
| Tues Jun 2, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Aviary | Angelique Mori |
| Tues Jun 9, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Arboretum | Barry Coombs |
| Wed Jun 10, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
| Tues Jun 16, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
| Sun Jun 21, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Laking Upper Parking Lot | Angelique Mori |
| Wed Jun 24, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Arboretum | Angelique Mori |
| Sat Jun 27, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Aviary | Angelique Mori |
| Sun Jun 28, 2026 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Princess Point | Barry Coombs |
Venue:
RBG Trails, Burlington
Arboretum (meet at the Pavillion)
16 Old Guelph Road, Dundas, ON
Please note, paid parking is in effect at this location. RBG members will be able to park with no fee when scanning their plastic parking pass. There is a washroom on site at this location, at the Nature Interpretive Centre building.
Princess Point
335 Longwood Rd N, Hamilton, ON.
Please note, paid parking is in effect at this location. RBG members will be able to park with no fee while displaying their hanging parking pass. There are no washrooms on this trail.
Cherry Hill Gate
1131 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON
Please note, paid parking is in effect at this location. RBG members will be able to park with no fee while displaying their hanging parking pass. There is no portable toilet at the Chery Hill Gate entrance, however, there is a washroom inside the RBG Centre building, which will open at 10:00am.
Aviary
85 Oak Knoll Drive, Hamilton, ON
Please note, paid parking is in effect at this location. RBG members will be able to park with no fee while displaying their hanging parking pass. There are no washrooms on this trail.
Laking Upper Parking Lot
1249 Spring Garden Rd/Plains Rd
Please note, paid parking is in effect at this location. RBG members will be able to park with no fee while displaying their hanging parking pass. There are no washrooms on this trail.
More to Do:
