Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight (NL Members Only)

Join author and birder Robert (Bob) Bell as he describes his journey after developing a bizarre set of increasingly debilitating symptoms, eventually leading to a diagnosis of Lyme disease. He describes his experiences, including the various treatments he received and his frustrations in dealing with a skeptical Canadian medical system.

Amidst an exhausting barrage of medications, fiery nerve pain, overwhelming fatigue and chronic pain, Bob turned to his love of nature and discovered the therapeutic benefits of birding to his health. He reflects on birding as his ideal therapy for dealing with a chronic disease and with chronic pain, and provides numerous tips on how to both begin birding as well as enjoy it, regardless of one’s physical ability.

He will explain why it is so beneficial to one’s health, and talk about birding being the gateway to being an environmentalist and caring for conservation and climate change, which is aiding the rapid expansion of the black-legged ticks’ range.

Robert C. (Bob) Bell was born and raised in northern Ontario. After obtaining an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Geology, he spent thirty-five years as a mineral exploration geologist, working globally as both a field geologist and, later, as an executive. At some point in his travels, he contracted Lyme disease, which led to his premature retirement at the end of 2015. He quickly discovered the health benefits of birding and found that this new hobby kept his mind off his ailing body. Bob is passionate about sharing the joy of birding with people of all skill levels, meeting them wherever they may land on the spectrum of health and wellness.

This led to his book “Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight” being published in 2022 by Hancock House. Since then, he has given numerous presentations and been on several birding podcasts. Those curious to learn more before the presentation can follow “thebirderbob” on Instagram, Facebook or BlueSky