Bird walks return to Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens will be hosting their monthly bird walks again in 2016. 

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Richard Ryel and his wife, Patricia, will lead the walks on the third Saturday of each month from 8-10 a.m. 

Dr. Ryel said that in this “team sport” type event, participants can identify over 30 types of birds on the two-hour walk through different areas of the gardens, with the help of binoculars. 

The 30-acre space provides a diverse habitat of birds that live around the lake, in the urban forest and manicured gardens, even in the trees surrounding the parking lot. The gardens have a list of about 100 species of birds, and during the 10 walks, more than 60 will be seen, sometimes even more during the migrations periods. 

“That many birds on that sized property bodes well for that area,” Ryel said. “We have a great time, and that’s what all makes it worthwhile.” 

Not just for adults, children are encouraged and welcomed on the walks. Ryel believes that kids should get out and enjoy the natural environment at an early age.

“They’re great to have along,” he said. “They have very inquisitive minds, and ask questions and offer insight even adults may not have thought of.”

Ryel said 15 is usually the maximum number of participants he takes on the walks, with many of those returning for multiple times. Registration is encouraged online at For information, visit aldridgegardens.com. The monthly event, open to members of Aldridge Gardens only, is free. 

Scheduled walks:

►April 16

►May 21

►June 18

►July 16

►August 20

►September 17

►October 15

►November 19