Our primary programs are field trips and other special events for young birders ages 8-18.  Unless specified, there is no cost to attend but advance registration is required.   Parents/grandparents are encouraged to participate (required for young birders under age 12.)  All of our programs are conducted according to the Iowa Young Birders Code of Conduct.  If you have any questions about our programs, please contact us.

UPCOMING EVENTS

    • August 23, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Madrid
    Register

    Join us for a summer afternoon of birding at the beautiful Iowa Arboretum and Gardens! With more than 160 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and beautifully maintained gardens, the Arboretum is one of central Iowa's premier destinations for both plants and wildlife. Its diverse habitats make it an excellent place to observe a wide variety of birds while exploring scenic trails with fellow young birders and their families. We'll search for colorful summer birds such as Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The woodlands may also hold Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, and Scarlet Tanager, while the prairie and open areas often attract Eastern Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and soaring Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks. No experience necessary - we hope you'll join us for a fun afternoon of birds, nature, and exploration! Binoculars are encouraged, and a limited number will be available to borrow. This trip is free but advance registration is requested.

    Iowa Young Birders welcomes everyone to the outdoors regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, creed, national origin, or disability status. Our events can accommodate wheelchairs, vision and hearing impairments, and other health conditions. For questions, or to request accommodations for an upcoming event, please send us a message or email. As an IAYB event, this field trip is open to young birders and their parents/guardians/caretakers. 

    Photo: Orchard Oriole

    • September 16, 2026
    • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Cambridge
    Join us as we partner with the Cambridge Public Library for our annual fall Heart of Iowa Trail Bird Walk! This will be a leisurely walk along the paved trail looking for resident and migratory birds, as well as other wildlife, and learning about what we see. We will meet at the trail parking lot on S. Vine Street in Cambridge. All are welcome to join - no experience necessary. Bring your binoculars if you have some! A limited number of binoculars will be available for use.

    This field trip is free to attend and open to any young birders and their parents/guardians. Iowa Young Birders welcomes everyone to the outdoors regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion, creed, national origin, or disability status. Our events can accommodate wheelchairs, vision and hearing impairments, and other health conditions. For questions, or to request accommodations for an upcoming event, please send us a message or email.

    Photo: Indigo Bunting

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