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Snow shoes
We're in for a long winter. Turn it into a positive and explore nature by snow shoe!
Chutneys, Relishes, and Other Preserves
Great if they’re from your own garden, or purchased from a local grower. If you know someone with a real appreciation for good food, you can make them happy all year long with a membership in an organic cooperative that keeps them supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Build a Metre of the Trans Canada Trail on Behalf of a Friend
Support the creation of this recreational trail through every province and territory in Canada. Visit the web site to find out how.
Head Lamp
For nighttime hikes and cross-country skiing a headlamp can really come in handy! Try to find one that’s light-weight (2-5 ounces), waterproof and has an adjustable light.
Binoculars
A Nature Canada staffer recently purchased Nikon Monarch 8x42 binoculars from Pelee Wings Nature Store and they were very helpful on the phone. Visit their web site
 Eco-Gear Bird T-shirt
Five dollars from each sale of Eco-Gear's special "Forests are for Birds" t-shirt go directly to support Nature Canada's conservation work. Buy it online.
Bird Feed
Birds depend on reliable food sources during the winter. Suggestions: Sunflower seeds are favored by chickadees, evening grosbeaks, tufted titmice, blue jays, finches and cardinals, among others. White prose millet is preferred by ground-feeding birds such as sparrows. Corn, on or off the cob, are enjoyed by medium sized birds including the mourning dove and common grackle.
Bird Feeder Accessories
Spruce up the feeder! Consider attaching a convenience perch – simply a small tree branch or stick – to the side of the feeder to reduce congestion and provide a place for birds to crack open seeds.
Compost Bin
If you’re a gardener, composting is an ideal way to turn non-animal kitchen and yard waste into free fertilizer. If you’re not a gardener, composting is still a practical way to reduce the volume of solid waste that your household produces. Lee Valley Tools has a cool indoor stainless steel compost bin; it’s attractive enough to put on your countertop, and it comes with biodegradable compost bags.
 Planet Earth: The Complete Series (DVD)
It’s been called the best nature series ever produced. This much-heralded 11-part documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, is truly groundbreaking. The newest film technologies – including more powerful zoom and steadier, long-distance aerial photography – are used to offer up-close glimpses of wildlife without actually disturbing the creatures (no more herds of caribou scattering in panic at the approaching helicopter!). Take a look.
Singing Bird Clock
Keep track of the time and learn common birdcalls with a singing bird clock. Most models allow you to turn the sound off at night, and during the day, the top of each hour is hailed by a house finch, mourning dove, blue jay, house wren, tufted titmouse, or many other species.
Tree Faces
These amusing outdoor décor items add whimsy to your backyard or garden. It’s also fun to see a person’s reaction when they finally notice your tree has a face! Caution: Get the faces with the wrap-around attachments; don’t nail to the tree!
The Bedside Book of Birds, by Graeme Gibson
For armchair naturalists who appreciate words as much as birds. Poetry, prose, myths and beautiful illustrations make this book a true joy to read. Available in virtually any book store, including Chapters.
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The Birder's Conservation Handbook:100 North American Birds at Risk by Jeff Wells
Finally! An easy-to-read book written specifically to help birders and researchers understand the status of North America's most threatened birds, and what can be done to protect them. The Birder's Conservation Handbook is beautifully illustrated and a must-read for anyone who loves birds.
Waterproof Notebooks
Don’t let wet weather keep you indoors! Bird listing and sketching is still possible with a waterproof notebook, and we especially like the ones that fit inside a pocket.
Bird Call
The Audobon Bird Call is a little wooden wonder that attracts birds, and can calm nerves. Purchase one online.
Breeding Bird Atlas
For the serious birder in your family, a bird atlas is a survey of the nesting areas of birds in a particular region. You can even contribute to a bird atlas by participating in local bird counts.
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Nature Bags
Avani Creations donates 10% from the sale of each bag to Nature Canada's conservation work. Buy one online.
Bicycle accessories
Anything bicycle-related makes a good gift, such as a new bike helmet or a gift certificate for a comprehensive bicycle tune-up. A pass for a guided hike or wilderness trip is just the thing to get someone active outdoors!
Programmable Thermostat or Water-saving showerhead
Conserving energy means preserving wildlife. There are plenty of ways to reduce energy consumption around the home.
Living Wall Panel
Living wall panels can be installed inside or outside your home, for decorative purposes or to grow your own produce. It’s a great way to have cheap, organic, fresh food, without the herbicides or transport-related emissions.
Make a donation in someone’s name to Nature Canada or the conservation organization of your choice
There are many worthy causes that work on the local, regional and national level to protect nature. Give you and your loved ones peace of mind this year.
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