With Optional Nature Journaling

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 12:00–2 pm

Join Nature Vancouver for a relaxed and inclusive Hawkwatch Sit at Cypress Provincial
Park during the fall Raptor migration.

Rather than a traditional Bird walk, we will gather in one location, set up our chairs, and
watch the skies for migrating Hawks and other Raptors. Neill Vanhisberg will be our
raptor guide, helping us spot and identify Raptors and sharing tips for recognizing
different species in flight. Joanna Chin will organize the event and facilitate optional
nature journaling.

Everyone is welcome, including families, beginners, experienced birders, and people of
different backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

What to Expect

This is a stationary hawk watch, not a hike. We will spend most of our time sitting
together and watching the sky. The pace will be relaxed, and participants are welcome
to sit, stand, move around, take breaks, journal, chat, or simply enjoy the view.

Raptor migration can be unpredictable. Sometimes several Birds may pass through in a
short period, while at other times the skies may be quiet. Neill will help us scan for
Raptors and share identification and migration tips along the way.

Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited number will be available to borrow on a
first-come, first-served basis.

Optional Nature Journaling

Nature journaling will be available throughout the hawk watch as an optional way to
slow down, notice and record what is happening around us. You might sketch a Raptor
in flight, record the Birds we see, write something you notice or wonder about, or
observe changes in the weather and landscape.

Pencil crayons will be provided. Feel free to bring your own paper, journal, pencils,
pens, or other supplies you feel comfortable using. No drawing or journaling experience
is necessary.

Accessibility & Inclusion

This event is designed to provide a relaxed and inclusive nature experience with
different ways to participate.

The hawkwatch location is in an open grassy area with picnic tables scattered around
the perimeter and through the middle. It is approximately 100 metres from the parking
lot to our sitting location. There is no trail, and the grass is somewhat uneven. The
grade is approximately 0-5% and no steeper than a 1:12 slope.

Free parking is available, with pit toilets next to the parking lot. Participants are
welcome to sit throughout the event, change positions, take breaks, or leave early as
needed.

Please contact Joanna if you have questions about accessibility or would like additional
information about the site.

What to Bring

 Portable chair
 Binoculars, if you have them
 Water and snacks
 Layers and clothing appropriate for the weather
 Sun protection
 Paper or a journal and your preferred supplies if you would like to nature journal

No previous birding or nature journaling experience is necessary. Families and children
are welcome.

Registration

Registration is required and space is limited to 20 participants. Please contact Joanna
Chin at joachin8@gmail.com to register.

The exact meeting location within Cypress Provincial Park will be provided to registered
participants.