Young Birders brings together youth grade 6 through grade 12, or between the ages of 10-18, who have an interest in birding and conservation. This group will plan on meeting for at least one field experience per month throughout 2026. Typically the location will be local wildlife areas that are easily accessible by the public for free. Seasoned birding guides from Vancouver Audubon will accompany the group and help with birding tips and identification. Binoculars will be supplied for free to all attendees needing them. There will also be several spotting scopes available to see birds up close, even when they are not.
Our initial meeting was on January 31, 2026 at Burnt Bridge Creek’s west entrance, the Steward Glen Trail. We were able to identify 31 January species of birds present. Our next walk was on February 28, 2026 at Beaver Park & Washougal River Greenway Trail where we discovered 34 species of birds cooperative enough to let us identify them by sight and by sound. In March our Young Birders group walked the species-rich trails of Steigerwald Lake NWR and were able to identify 57 species together. On April 18th we were able to see 34 species on our Burnt Bridge Creek Trail East walk and destroyed two dozen donuts!
On Saturday May 23rd we birded the WSU Vancouver Campus and identified 46 species of birds for our eBird combined checklist. Our highlight of the outing was all getting great looks at a Lazuli Bunting male (see photo by Isaac).
For our June outing, we will park and meet at the parking lot at Columbia Springs at 8:30 am. We will bird several trails until around 10:00, when some Young Birders will begin leading bird walks for Columbia Springs Nature Days. We will do short walks for for Nature Days sign ups folks starting at 10:15 and 11:30. It’s up to you if you want to be a part of the two later walks.
Be sure to sign up for Young Birders, if you haven’t already done this, so your email information is available. Check your email for updates on the walk, especially if the weather is predicted to be uncooperative. Vancouver Audubon will supply binoculars for all participants needing them.
Where: Columbia Springs
When: Saturday June 20th from 8:30 am – 10:00 am (with optional walks for the Nature Days signups at 10:15 and 11:30)
Clothing: Dress in layers and be ready for changing conditions
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