Our Feathered Friends, Our Singing Teachers

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Facilitated by Matthew Iles and Greg Kennedy

Birds are all around us, and have inspired us to slow down, watch, and listen, since we began looking skyward. Come connect deeply with our feathered friends: observing and connecting in both a spiritual and experiential way, whilst gaining insight into ‘bird language’ and other fascinating behaviours.

As many different pressures threaten their very existence, we will take time and space to connect deeply with the birds, the land and the skies, in order to strengthen our own relationships with these inspiring creatures. Guelph-based ornithologist and outdoor educator, Matthew Iles, will guide us through a weekend of story sharing, questioning, workshops on how to recognise the various families and species, and conversation about how we can help preserve and protect these marvellous animal-kin. There will also be ample quiet time for reflection, observation and meditation, out on the land if you choose, or closer to the comfort of Loyola House.

Our May retreat will take in the colours of spring migration, whilst also recognizing the species that spend the summer in the forests, fields and wetlands of the beautiful, tranquil Ignatius Jesuit Centre.

• Not a silent retreat
• Outdoor activities
• Group activities
• Spiritual direction is not available

Mathew Iles: I grew up in Wales, studied Zoology at University of Liverpool, and began working as a wildlife biologist in 2007. I moved to Canada in 2009, after spending a year in the Andes, Amazon and coastal regions of Ecuador. This is where the ‘birding bug’ really got me, and I followed up this spark by volunteering at Long Point Bird Observatory – the oldest in the western hemisphere – where I later worked as Assistant Coordinator for three years, between 2015 and 2017. This is where I learnt how to guide and teach people about birds, their ecology and how we can help conserve them. After moving back to Guelph in 2018, I began dividing my working time between teaching at Guelph Outdoor School and working as a wildlife ecologist.

These days I am continuing to do the ecology work, whilst offering birding workshops, retreats, day-trips and tours. Since 2022 I have run a birding retreat at Ignatius farm, during the peak of spring migration, along with director Greg Kennedy… providing a unique and immersive experience, with ample time for reflection and nature connection, whilst also providing guided birding walks, talks and workshop exercises.

Prices:

• $374 – Ensuite Room  – private single bedroom with 3-piece washroom, desk and chair
• $329 – Standard Room – private single bedroom with sink, desk and chair
• $215 – Commuter – a private room is not included with these fees