Watching birds can lead to greater human satisfaction, happiness, and health. By being aware of birds, we can also grow our ability to focus and to rest in the current moment, as well as grow our compassion and justice centered behaviors to help care for ourselves, others, and the planet. These walks aim to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world by watching birds as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our relationships and connections to the humans who join us for the walk and the other species with whom we will interact. Our walks will be open to spontaneous conversation, identifying birds, and enjoying their behavior while also following Rev. Dr. LoraKim’s facilitation with questions, readings, and gentle nature practices. Walks are in the morning, usually on the weekends, ranging from 1-2 hours.
Birding for Life walks aim to grow our ability to transform ourselves and our world by watching birds as an intentional mindfulness practice. This is enhanced by an emphasis on our relationships and connections to the humans who join us for the walk and the other species with whom we will interact.
These walks will be led by renown avian conservationist, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, who is our Community Minister, and Codirector of One Earth Conservation (http://www.oneearthconservation.org). Donations are much appreciated to help cover costs of the Meetup Group – all donations will go towards bird conservation in the Americas. You donate at the One Earth Conservation donation page: https://www.oneearthconservation.org/donate.
To attend, please register using this Google Form. Bring comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and water and nourishment as needed. Do not attend if you are ill.
May 2024 Bird Walking
Sunday, May 12 from 8:00-9:15 a.m.
We will return to First Unitarian on Sunday, May 12 to walk the trail near the congregation, enjoying all the birds, the creek, and the now fully-leaved trees. We will pause as we go to observe birds and to reflect on parenting in birds (as well as in humans) as this is Mother’s Day. We will pay special attention to birds nesting in our area. Just last week, I saw Northern flickers (a kind of woodpecker) chasing each other around the church, fanning their beautiful yellow-tinged tails in an apparent breeding display. Hopefully we will see such marvels as well. Let us meet in the lower parking lot off of Druid Hills Drive.
Saturday, May 18 from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
The following week on Saturday, May 18 we will meet in the parking lot of Brown’s Woods. The trail is unpaved and wanders through a wooded area. We will walk about a mile. For those that want to walk longer, we will continue “unofficially” towards the Racoon River. This was the first trail I walked in Des Moines after we arrived in July 2023, and saw a red-hooded woodpecker, a completely awesome bird. Let us meet in the parking lot at 465 SE Brown’s Woods Drive in West Des Moines.
For all bird walks, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. If you would like more information, contact LoraKim Joyner at amoloros@gmail.com or 914-325-9574.