I'd like to host a nature walk with a focus on nature, bird and other wildlife photography. We will go to Mud Lake in the West-end of the city, right beside Britannia Beach.

Directions: As you travel West on Carling Ave, after you pass through the Richmond rd.\Carling Ave. intersection, turn right onto Britannia Rd. and go all the way to the end, then turn right onto Cassels St. The meeting spot will be on the East end of Cassels street, at the small parking area BEFORE the water treatment plant. Parking is free on the street.

It's a big trail loop around the lake with many nature photo-ops as well as the thrill of feeding Chickadees and Nuthatches right out of your hand (bring peanuts or other bird seeds like Black Sunflower-the birds will follow us around for handouts). As well, many fluffy tailed Squirrels will also approach quite closely, there is an active Beaver lodge quite close to the trail, we're likely to also photograph Peliated, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers up close, plus, there's always the chance of seeing and photographing Owls and other large raptors too if we're lucky.

Wear warm Winter boots and dress in layers. Prepare for a three hour walk including many stops to take pictures and look for and observe wildlife. Tripod is not necessary and discouraged, monopod is recommended, if you have binoculars bring them as they are handy for getting good looks at the birds up in the trees. Bring plenty of water. There are no public washrooms available, the closest is at the Macdonald's between Carling and Richmond roads.

This is a chance to practice your photography with tame animals and birds that are used to photographers and also to meet some like-minded people which is my goal as host (There are very experienced local companies such as Always An Adventure offering birding and wildlife photography for a fee, but this is not my goal, I only look to find and make friends with like-minded nature loving photographers to meetup with).

I have much experience shooting wildlife, I know the area very well, and I will offer any help or suggestions with your pictures. I'd like to set a participant limit but my experience with meetups says many are no-shows and I don't want to deny someone the chance to come out because others are filling the list and don't show up. Meetup is no charge. Bad weather will change the date from Dec 8 to Dec 9\2012