New Program Helps Young Birders Learn All About It

Volume 30 Issue 2, Spring 2025

by Patrick Lewis, Young Birding Program Coordinator

One of Loudoun Wildlife’s newest projects is our Young Birding Program, which aims to introduce young people ages 10-18 to birding and bird-related topics. We also hope to help those who have already discovered an interest in birding to grow their skill sets, see new and interesting bird species, and get introduced to other birders their own age.

The program began in early 2024 and has been offering Young Birding field trips about once a month since then. Walks are held at top birding spots in locations around Loudoun County, including Algonkian Regional Park, Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, and other locations. Walks are led by experienced volunteers as well as teen co-leaders.

Loudoun Wildlife started the program to give young birders and youth interested in birds a chance to watch and learn about them with others in their own age group. Many young birders feel intimidated or awkward participating in walks when everyone else is twice their age or more and may feel left out. Parents and guardians are also welcome to join young birding walks with their children.

Since the program started, Loudoun Wildlife has seen a slow but steady increase in attendees at our Young Birding walks, and several people have returned for more. We are actively working to find ways to broaden our reach and bring the program to a wider number of young people. That process has included talking to Boy Scout troops and speaking to public school teachers at professional development events about the importance of environmental education and the many positive effects birding can have on their students. We also work with other nonprofits in the county to promote the program.

Visit the Young Birding Program page to learn more.