Birder Brain: Exploring the Connection Between Birding and Mental Health

Originally from Riverview, New Brunswick, and now living in Blenheim, Ontario, Kelly-Sue has been a birder for 16 years now. She has been very involved in citizen science during that time starting with several Christmas Bird Counts a year, volunteering for nature organizations, fundraising and sitting on boards like the Toronto Ornithological Club, Friends of Sam Smith Park, and Bird Friendly Cities, and leading bird walks for Ontario Field Ornithologists.

Kelly-Sue found birding as a way to practice self-care, grounding, meditation and mindfulness. Diagnosed with an auto-immune, C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Syndrome), ADHD (attention deficit disorder), and other health issues experienced by many, she was inspired to share her love of birding and its healing benefits with others. This presentation will include an overview of the project, two short documentaries (two of the Birder Brain episodes), some of Kelly-Sue’s favourite mindful birding experiences and tips on how to use birding to improve your own mental and physical health.