About Birder Brain

Kelly-Sue is the Director of the project Birder Brain which explores the connection between birding and mental health. She does so through short film, speaking engagements, written interviews and by sharing tips for birding for mental health on her socials. Kelly-Sue has been a birder for 19 years living in Nova Scotia. She has been very involved in citizen science during that time starting with several Christmas Bird Counts a year, volunteering for nature organizations, fundraising and sitting on boards like the Toronto Ornithological Club, Friends of Sam Smith Park, Bird Friendly Cities, leading bird walks for Ontario Field Ornithologists and is currently the President of the West Elgin Nature Club, and a Vortex Ambassador. Kelly-Sue found birding as a way to practice self-care, grounding, meditation and mindfulness. Diagnosed with an auto-immune, C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Syndrome), ADHD (attention deficit disorder) Anxiety, Depression, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia and other health issues experienced by many, she was inspired to share her love of birding and its healing benefits with others. This project aims to share tips on how to use birding to improve your own mental and physical health as well share the stories and experiences of others. Read their story