Why offer birding walks?

The purpose of the birding walks is to introduce people to birding and, by extension, to nature and the opportunities to experience it within and around Malmö. In many ways, Malmö is an ideal city for birding - over 300 species of birds have been recorded here, it has a variety of habitats, and it has an efficient public transportation system that provides access to those habitats. Everyone is welcome but please note that these walks are designed for people who are complete beginners and those that don’t have access or opportunity to go out into nature. Science tells us that being in nature not only helps relieve stress but the desire for it is in our genes. So, let’s go birding!

Cost

All group birding walks are FREE. Tips are warmly welcome via Swish.

FREQUENCY

Free group birding walks take place twice a year. Once during the spring migration (usually April-June) and once during the fall migration (usually September/October). The exact dates and times vary from season to season but are almost always on Saturdays or Sundays during the morning hours. If you’re interested in birding walks outside the free group schedule, then I recommend you check out my affordable private birding walks.

Calendar

The spring 2024 calendar is now online, click here to check it out.

I strongly advise to sign up for the mailing list in order to get early access to the schedule and other announcements. You will only be emailed in connection to the birding walks and less than 5 times a year. No spam, I promise.

Please note that the booking is on a first-come basis and each participant should have his/her/their own registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know something about birds in order to attend a birding walk?

All walks are “Birding 101” and are thus a very basic introduction. You don’t need to know anything about birds or birding.

I don’t have a car/driving license. How do I attend?

All of the sites are accessible via public transport. The birding walks are timed to match the Skånetrafiken timetable. Not having a car or the inability to drive should not prevent anyone from enjoying nature. Welcome!

What language are the birding walks in?

The birding walks are in English. Although I can speak some Swedish, it is still a work in progress :-) I can also speak Arabic, Somali, and to a certain extent Urdu/Hindi. Language should not be a barrier to enjoying nature. Welcome!

Are the birding walks physically intensive?

Not at all. All birding walks have a relaxed tempo. We will be walking most of the time and taking breaks every now and then to check out certain birds. For some walks, we may linger at a single location for an extended period of time to observe certain species.

I have a disability, can I take part in a birding walk?

Of course! A disability should not be a barrier to enjoying nature. Birds can be seen and heard and are all around us. We’ll find a way for you to participate in a birding walk, just contact me :-)

What should I bring?

• Water and any snacks (sandwiches, etc.).

• Clothes that are appropriate for the weather and comfortable walking/hiking shoes.

• A pair of binoculars (I have one pair to lend on a first-come basis). See here for suggestions on purchasing binoculars.

• A camera if you are interested in photographing birds and/or urban nature in general.

• A small portable stool, if you would like to sit when we stop for extended periods of time - for example: Walkstool.

• If you have a smartphone, the relatively inexpensive beginner app Birds of Europe (Android / iPhone) from Kosmos is useful for information on birds and their identification. A decent free app is OrnitO though it’s only available on Android. No worries if you don’t have a smartphone, I will have a field guide during the walks.

What is included?

I will provide one pair of binoculars and a stool to lend for the duration of the walk on a first-come basis.

How long are the birding walks?

It depends on the location but they all are between 2 and 4 hours.

How far will we travel to see the birds?

Most of the birding walks are within the city of Malmö and are thus accessible using the green city buses (stadsbuss). Some walks are just outside of Malmö and are accessible using the yellow commuter buses (regionbuss) or via the Pågatåg.

How big are the birding walks?

Each walk will have a maximum of 5 people (4 guests and myself). This will ensure that each participant has a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding time. This is a temporary COVID-19 restriction and there will be larger groups in the future.

What COVD-19 precautions are you taking?

The advantage of being outdoors is that the chances of infection are low compared to indoors, and in small groups social distancing measures can be adhered to without diluting the quality of the birding walks. Masks will be offered to each guest and everyone will be advised to stay 2 meters apart. There will also be a supply of hand sanitizer.

I have a other questions or comments about the birding walks, or Birding Therapy in general, how can I get in touch?

Email me at birdingwalks [at] gmail.com