At 20, Gavin McKinnon runs tours through his company, Meadowlark Birding Tours. (David Scott – image credit)
Calgary university student Fisher Stephenson said his mornings are often dedicated to class — and the afternoons to birding.
“Going to lakes, or driving back roads or whatever, looking for birds. Sometimes if I’m at school and someone reports a particularly rare bird in Calgary, I’ll leave to find that,” Stephenson said.
The 21-year-old recently took up bird watching, a hobby commonly thought of as a pastime for retirees. Stephenson said the outdoor hobby caught his interest when he was taking classes online during the pandemic.
He said younger birders are often at the forefront of using group chats, social media and digital photography as a way to share and stay connected with others who are into the hobby.
Fisher Stephenson is a Cochrane, Alta. bird watcher who made a short film about the historical figures that inspired some birds’ names.
Fisher Stephenson is a bird watcher from Cochrane, Alta., who made a short film about the historical figures who inspired some birds’ names. (Submitted by Fisher Stephenson)
“Any of my best photos I share on Instagram … and I follow a ton of other birders and bird photographers on there,” Stephenson said.
“Some people are out there with huge cameras, huge lenses, trying to get the best shot, and other people just share the cool photos they get of birds.”
Gavin McKinnon, 20, who runs tours through his company, Meadowlark Birding Tours, also fits birding in around his classes. The Lethbridge College student has been passionate about birds since he was a kid, he said, after his dad passed his passion on to him.
McKinnon says he typically hears about rare birds through WhatsApp and Discord.
Gavin McKinnon is a Lethbridge, Alta. based bird watcher.
Gavin McKinnon is a bird watcher based in Lethbridge, Alta. (Pablo Guttíerrez Maier)
“Which really, really connect people together and help people stay informed about what birds are being seen in the city,” he said.
The hashtag #birdwatching has generated 1.9 billion views on TikTok — and the developers of apps that aid in bird watching have seen a user boom.
One such app is Merlin. Over the past four years, the app has seen an explosion in users, from about two million in 2020 to more than eight million in 2023.
In Canada, app use has increased in that same time frame from 160,000 users to 710,000.
Alli Smith, Merlin project co-ordinator at the Cornell Lab, said the increase in use is in part due to the app introducing sound recognition.
But there’s also another reason — “it’s becoming more of a cool thing to do,” Smith said.
Another app commonly used by birders is eBird. Users add their bird observations to an online database, which is used by scientists and researchers.
Drumheller resident Jody Allair, director of community engagement at Birds Canada, said eBird becomes more popular each year.
Jody Allair is the director of community engagement at Birds Canada.
Jody Allair is the director of community engagement at Birds Canada. (Submitted by Jody Allair)
And, he said, Birds Canada runs the Young Ornithologist Workshop at the Long Point Bird Observatory in Ontario. Registration has tripled, Allair said, and they have to run the program twice a year to keep up with demand.
“I think there was always the perception that birding is something you did once you retired.… I feel like that perception has changed a lot where people are realizing that birds are just such a great gateway to learning more about the natural world,” he said.
Allair said there’s been an increase in the number of social media influencers and podcasters dedicated to birding, and the hobby has also undergone a “sea change” of how it’s perceived as a hobby.
In the past, it was generally thought of as something for people looking for a hobby later in life, and that’s still true to an extent, he said.
“Birding is something that’s accessible and actually quite fun and engaging for people that are a lot younger,” he said.
“Now there’s newer clubs that are focusing on the gen Z or millennial age, like the Feminist Bird Club,” he said.
He said he’s glad it’s different from when he first started the hobby, and all the young birders knew each other.
“It’s amazing how much that has changed to the point now where birding has really become mainstream. And you get a lot of people in all different generations now are into birding. And I think that’s just really fantastic.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
