• Northern Saw-whet Owl

  • A small bird with gray and yellow feathers perched on a thin branch surrounded by green leaves.

    Vermillion Flycatcher

  • Dark-eyed Junco

  • A long-billed bird with tan, white, and brown feathers standing near water.

    American Avocet

  • A bird's nest with two white eggs is attached to a plant stem, with a black ruler measuring about 6 inches placed next to it for size reference.

    Costa's Hummingbird Eggs

  • A barred owl perched on a tree branch, winking with one eye closed and the other open, surrounded by green leaves and lichen-covered branches.

    Barred Owl

  • Yellow bird perched on a green coniferous tree with small berries and droplets of water.

    Yellow Warbler

  • A yellow bird with black and white markings perched on a thistle plant with purple flowers and a green blurred background.

    American Goldfinch

  • A male northern shoveler duck swimming in a body of water, displaying green head, black bill, and brown chest.

    Northern Shoveler

Youth Birder Program

Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America, and for good reason. Students who learn to observe birds gain sharper attention, deeper curiosity, stronger scientific thinking, and a healthier relationship with God’s creation.

The Youth Birding Program taps into that momentum. This four-month, hands-on course immerses students in the world of ornithology: identifying birds by sight and sound, reading behavior, understanding anatomy and ecology, and documenting observations like real field naturalists. Students develop patience, pattern recognition, and attentiveness to detail—skills that strengthen both academic and personal growth. They learn to use professional tools such as binoculars, field guides, and data logs, gaining confidence in scientific observation and field documentation.

By the end of the program, students not only recognize dozens of bird species by sight and song, but also understand their ecological roles and seasonal behaviors. They come away with a deeper respect for the created world, practical skills in outdoor study, and a renewed sense of focus and stewardship that extends far beyond birding.

Here’s what students will experience:

Module 1: Bird ID Bootcamp — Field Marks and Field Notes

  • Learn to identify local species using field marks

  • Practice using binoculars, field guides, and eBird

  • Build a personal Life List and master banding codes

  • Activities: Binocular drills, feeder watch, bird code games, etc.

Module 2: Chirpology – The Language of Birds

  • Decode the different types of bird vocalizations

  • Learn memory techniques using mnemonics and imagery

  • Tune your ears through immersive listening activities

  • Activities: Blindfold sit spot, alarm analysis journal, bird call bingo, etc.

Module 3: Form & Function – Bird Anatomy and Behavior

  • Study bird structure, flight patterns, and silhouettes

  • Discover how birds eat, communicate, migrate, and nest

  • Think like an ornithologist with observation journals

  • Activities: Anatomy matching, silhouette quiz, behavior log, etc.

Module 4: Feathers & Forest – Ecology and Conservation

  • Explore bird habitats, breeding grounds, and migratory paths

  • Learn about adaptations, endangered species, and global threats

  • Embrace core birding ethics and environmental stewardship

  • Activities: Habitat study, conservation challenges, etc.