Bird Language
and the animate world
Nature Awareness meets Ecotherapy
More than ever the world needs people connected to nature and remembering a sense of belonging to the wider whole.
Bird language and the Animate World is a weekend of doing just this; Learning, connecting and being in conversation with nature while tending to the wilderness within.
For 2 days you will bask in the landscape of eastern Ontario in the peak of fall colours; sharing meals, grounding, deepening nature connection and, of course, learning the form of bird language - an incredible tool to add to your nature and spiritual connection toolkit.
Our goal is to leave people feeling nourished, connected, inspired by nature and to have a lot of fun while doing it!
“You don’t need any birding experience to join this program!”
What is Bird Language?
An ancient technology that lives at the intersection of practical naturalist skill and poetic conversation with the more than human kin.
On one hand, quite literally, its a practice of learning the ways birds communicate as a tool to track the bigger story of what’s happening in the world around you.
Did you know that birds have at least 5 different voices?
Did you know that blue jays will imitate hawks to scare away song birds from feeders? - scandalous!
On the other hand, bird language is a soulful practice of deep listening that can remind us to our connection to all life.
This workshop is a crossover episode of hard and soft skills and a great balance of learning, listening and reconnecting to the land and the wilderness within!
Program Details
What? Bird Language and the Animate World workshop/ retreat.
When? May 8-10, 2026. In the peak of the migration season.
Where? Black River Farm and Wilderness, Madoc Ontario
Cost? 350- 425 sliding scale
Why? ….birds
What to Expect?
The beauty of land-based learning is that it will always have an element of surprise, based on what’s happening on the landscape. The weather, season, and even the group can all play a role in what unfolds! That being said, here are somethings you can count on:
Invitations to ground and connect to the natural world
Learning the art of Bird Language and some of the tools and practices that you can apply anywehre you roam
Community connetion time. This looks like group sharing, shared meals
practices of Wild Belonging that we know help people feel more at home on the landscape. Wandering, song, poetry, sensory practices, curiosity
Camp fire!
Stars :)
Time by the river
pouring over field guides!
Making friends with other nature nerds
Guides
Lee Earl:
Lee is a passionate outdoor educator for the past 15 years who loves to spend time being inspired by the natural world. From crafting with wild plants, to following animal tracks in the snow, Lee believes the outdoor world always has something to offer us, if we can just take the time. She loves to build connections with the land and others by getting curious, taking a closer look and going slow. Lee loves the work of coming home to the earth, and is always excited to share this journey with others.
Carly Joynt:
Carly is a depth-focused counsellor, nature connection guide and the founder of Wilder Connections Ecotherapy. She loves to weave together magic at the intersection of the inner landscape and the outer wilds, especially in groups with other wild-hearted seekers. She may trick you into singing a song and liking it!