Great Backyard Bird Count

Enjoy a quiet morning learning about Iowa birds and a special citizen science project, Great Backyard Bird Count. To start off our morning, there will be a short presentation about this global volunteer project and birding basics. Then participants can choose to set out on a self-guided hike to search for birds or cozy up inside by our bird viewing window to count birds. Whether you are a novice bird watcher or a seasoned “bird nerd,” we could use your help counting!

Volunteers need to count birds for a minimum of 15 minutes for their numbers to count towards the research project. All ages are welcome to attend. Binoculars, bird guides, a light breakfast (bagels, donuts, coffee & juice), and snowshoes (if there is enough snow) will be provided.

Participants can choose to walk the trails or count from inside the nature center. Trails may be wet, icy, or snowy depending on weather.