Whitehorse writer Jenny Trapnell loves to discover our wild spaces. Jenny has a passion for birding she shares her tips for bird watching and helps us learn about the birds in the Yukon through her column Time For Birds
Questions about her columns can be sent to editor@whatsupyukon.com
Issue: 2018-06-06, PHOTO: Jenny Trapnell
The world’s longest annual paddling race is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the largest slate of international teams and racers ever. Up to 277 racers on 125 teams are expected to start the race at Rotary Peace Park at noon on... more
Issue: 2018-05-09, PHOTO: courtesy of Jenny Trapnell
In early April, 79-year-old Lorraine White did what lots of Yukoners do: she held a garage sale. White, who was moving to Vancouver Island, sold her furniture and old china at her Takhini senior’s residence, and gave away the rest... more
Issue: 2018-05-02, PHOTO: Jenny Trapnell
The North is a nursery for millions of migratory birds returning from winters in places as far south as South America. To help increase the awareness and conservation of Yukon’s birds and habitat, the Yukon Bird Club has launched another season of... more
Issue: 2018-02-21, PHOTO: Manu Kegenhoff
The multi-event Mad(am) Trapper competition, slated for Feb. 23 through 25, usually attracts dozens of women and men vying for the title of Mad Trapper or Madam Trapper. Historically, contestants have competed in five sourdough “skills”: the Log... more
Issue: 2017-12-20, PHOTO: Jenny Trapnell
In a city renowned for its trails, Whitehorse has several informal walking groups to help us connect socially – and stay fit mentally and physically – all year-round. Most Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays, Peter Long and his partner, Wynne Krangle... more
Issue: 2017-11-08, PHOTO: Cameron Eckert
Fall migration is over, but you can still see some pretty cool birds around if you know where to look. One popular birding area is along the Yukon River near the Rotary Centennial Bridge. The open water here attracts a wide array of species, and... more
Issue: 2017-08-16, PHOTO: Jenny Trapnell
Now’s the time to visit the Whitehorse fish ladder. This month the Yukon River Chinook salmon are migrating through Whitehorse, and the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway, located in Riverdale at the end of Nisutlin Road,is a good place to seem them in... more
Issue: 2017-08-16, PHOTO: Jenny Trapnell
One of the most visited attractions in Whitehorse, the Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge, is a great launching point for interesting half-day hikes. Located about 10 minutes from downtown by road, the historic 95-year-old suspension bridge (which has... more
Issue: 2017-04-05, PHOTO: Jennifer Trapnell
One of the world’s most urban birds has parked itself in downtown Whitehorse. The house sparrow, a small chirpy songbird, is now a familiar sight at downtown grocery store parking lots and other places where food is handy. Unrelated to North... more
Issue: 2017-03-08, Screenshot: Jennifer Trapnell
I’ve joined her in a Riverdale neighbourhood in search of a rare Mountain chickadee. The first species we see, however, is a noisy woodpecker, a “Hairy.” Whitehorse resident Tracy Allard brings out her smartphone and taps an app called eBird to... more
Issue: 2016-11-30, PHOTO: Cameron Eckert
A happy melodic song rings along the Yukon River below the dam, and you imagine it’s a pretty little bird singing in a tree. But it’s 10 below. Then you notice a small chubby bird, coloured like slate, sitting on boulders near the rushing water... more
Issue: 2016-09-15, PHOTO: Keith Williams
We’re getting ready for winter and so are the birds. They’re chirping and feeding everywhere and the sky is alive with flocks of all kinds. It’s so busy one of Yukon’s most avid birders, Tracey Allard, says fall can seem like spring for a few weeks. more
Issue: 2016-07-14, PHOTO: Ben Schonewille
In summer, birding is all about the kids. Or, chicks. After the spring blitz of migration and mating, many birds are rearing offspring and staying closer to their nests. It’s a time when many Yukoners stop birding. “Our forests are usually more... more
Issue: 2016-06-02, PHOTO: Cameron Eckert
Looking for a memorable northern road trip? The 17th annual Tombstone Weekend on the Wing (WOW) offers three days of fabulous hiking, a birding festival and interpretive events for all ages. The weekend of free events takes place June 3 to 5 and... more
PHOTO: Jim Hawkings
The birds are back! And so is the annual Yukon Birdathon – a 24-hour birding extravaganza and sweet fundraiser. Held the last weekend in May, the 2016 event starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 27 and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. more
Issue: 2016-04-28, PHOTO: Shyloh van Delft
Of all the birds of the forest, the chickadee is my favourite. Growing up in Nova Scotia, it was one of the first birds I knew. My family had a cottage in the forest on the shore of St. Margaret’s Bay, outside Halifax. The black caps regularly... more
Issue: 2016-02-11, PHOTO: Jennifer Trapnell
There's nothing like a bird count to inspire new and seasoned birders. This Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place Feb. 12-15 and it’s a family-friendly event for any skill level. The GBBC helps to give a snapshot of bird life throughout... more
Issue: 2016-01-28, PHOTO: Shyloh van Delft
Yes, baby, it’s cold outside. But birding can get you out of the house, connect you with nature, and other people. During December’s Christmas bird counts – an annual winter birding tradition - hundreds of participants recorded birds in... more
Issue: 2015-07-23
Teslin is a Tlingit village that has accommodated change with beauty, culture and strength. This weekend, it’s the go-to destination for the Tlingit Hà Kus Teyea Celebration. As well as a giant family reunion, with coastal connections to Juneau... more
Issue: 2015-05-28 PHOTO: courtesy of Jennifer Trapnell
There are 284 bird species recorded in Yukon. This weekend is your chance to count as many as you can. The Yukon Birdathon is designed to get you out birding, and raise funds for bird conservation. Held the last weekend in May, the goal is to... more