Young Birders brings together youth between the ages of 8-18, 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).
In June we Columbia Springs nature trails where we identified 25 bird species. Som Young Birders led a bird walk for Columbia Springs Nature Days.
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.
Plan ahead for walks and events:
Bird Walk @ Columbia Springs (Saturday September 12th, 8:00 – 10:00am)
We will be having a bird walk at Columbia Springs, where we will be looking for early fall migrants such as warblers, flycatchers and other passerines. The trails are fairly flat and easy to traverse, but remember to bring suitable clothes and shoes. Birders of all levels are welcome, binoculars will be provided. Email Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you have any questions.
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Bird Guiding for Nature Day @ Columbia Springs (Saturday September 12th, 10:00 – 1:00pm)
We will be leading walks at the Columbia Springs Nature Day. If you are a birder who is interested in educating youth about birds and other wildlife, please join us. Email Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you have any questions.
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Bird Walk at Salmon Creek Greenway (Saturday September 26th, 8:00 – 11:00am)
Join us at Salmon Creek Greenway, where we will be searching for fall migrants, waterfowl, and raptors. This event is in coordination with the VAS Cameraderie group. The trails are fairly flat and easy to traverse, but remember to bring suitable clothes and shoes. Birders of all levels are welcome, and binoculars will be provided. Email Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you have any questions.
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Birdfest @ Ridgefield NWR (Saturday October 3rd, time TBD)
Join us at Ridgefield NWR Visit Center, where Birdfest held by Ridgefield and Friends, celebrating the return of wintering birds to the refuge. Young Birders will be manning spotting scopes at a station. If you are interested in Young Birders and what we do, please join us to find out more. If you are interested in volunteering manning scopes, please contact Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you are interested.
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Bird Walk @ WSU Vancouver Campus (Saturday October 10th, 8:00 – 11:00am)
Join us at WSU Vancouver to search for migratory birds and oberve fall migration in full swing. Birders of all levels are welcome, and binoculars will be provided. Email Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you have any questions.
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Learn how to use eBird Zoom meeting (Not Scheduled, 6:30 – 7:30pm) – Open to requests. Email Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you are interested.
Signup for this group is required