Join conservation ecologist and bird enthusiast Michael Bezener on a hike through a true jewel of the Okanagan: the Mountain Springs Nature Retreat. We’ll explore a wide range of habitats including riparian, wetland, dry woodland, cliff and shrubsteppe habitats in search of this areas’ special community of birdlife. Along the way we’ll learn about bird ID, the importance of habitat connectivity in supporting migratory birds, and efforts underway to recover local bird populations at-risk. Our tour will culminate in a fresh, light brunch served courtesy of Phyllis Jmaeff, owner of the retreat centre, among the exhilarating comings and goings of the retreat’s amazing complement of hummingbirds!

A. Michael Bezener is a conservation ecologist with over 30 years of experience helping to study, protect and conserve
western Canada’s birds and biodiversity. In his current role as the Habitat Connectivity Coordinator of the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP), Michael works with a broad range of partners to advance the protection, restoration and maintenance of ecological corridors and safe passage wildlife crossings in the Okanagan region. Michael is an accomplished nature and wildlife photographer and the author/co-author of several introductory nature field guides.

Photo by A. Michael Bezener