Getting Started

A simple line drawing of a child with binoculars beside an adult, both looking toward trees, minimal black ink on white

Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Join one of North America's longest-running citizen science projects. Count birds in your area each winter and contribute to real conservation data.

CBC resources →
A simple line drawing of several children gathered around a clipboard outdoors, minimal black ink on white

CBC4Kids

A version of the Christmas Bird Count designed specifically for young birders. Hands-on learning with experienced naturalists in a fun group setting.

CBC4Kids materials →
Two people viewed from behind using binoculars near a bare tree in a frosty rural field

Snow Goose Chase

Resources and guides for the Tofield Snow Goose Chase, a spring event celebrating the migration of thousands of snow geese through Alberta.

Snow Goose Chase guides →

Every Kid in a Park & U.S. National Parks

Programs that connect young people with nature are essential to building the next generation of birders and conservationists. These resources help families explore public lands:

  • Every Kid in a Park — free access to U.S. national parks for fourth graders and their families
  • U.S. National Parks Service — junior ranger programs, bird checklists, and educational materials for young visitors

Explore More Birding Resources

Browse bird book reviews, event coverage, and identification tips from the Prairie Birder blog.

Birding Events Bird Books

For young birders just beginning to explore the prairies, the best approach is to start close to home. A backyard or nearby farm field can reveal surprising variety throughout the seasons, from spring migrants passing through to hardy winter residents. Simple tools like a field guide, a pair of binoculars, and a notebook for keeping a life list are all that is needed. Watching birds regularly builds observation skills and deepens appreciation for the natural world. Many experienced birders remember their first sightings fondly, and sharing those early discoveries with family or a local birding group can make the learning process even more rewarding.

The prairies offer exceptional opportunities for birding across all seasons, with habitats ranging from farmlands and wetlands to native grasslands and forest edges. Each environment supports different species, making it worthwhile to explore a variety of locations throughout the year. Citizen science projects provide a meaningful way to contribute observations while learning from seasoned naturalists. Whether joining a winter bird count, participating in a spring migration watch, or simply recording sightings from your own yard, every observation adds to our collective understanding of bird populations and their movements across the landscape.