Check-out our 2019 events... new events added weekly!
All Month Long
Nebraska Bird Month
Backyards, Parks, Nature Centers, Roadways.... everywhere
The entire month of May is a great time to look around at all the birds surrounding us. From those classic backyard visitors to the waterfowl found at lakes and ponds to the tiny songbirds found in the prairie, birds watching is a fantastic way to engage with family and friends (or spend some quality time alone). Take time today to go outside and watch birds. When you want to identify a birds, visit the Nebraska Bird Library.
Wednesday, May 1
Southeast District Birding Day
7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
We will meet at 7:30 in the parking lot at the entrance to Indian Cave State Park. From there we will divide into groups, travel to different locations within the park and hike sites looking for woodland and other bird species. Event is held rain or shine; mist netting is weather dependent. Participants should bring their own lunch. Birders will reconvene @ 11:00 am to list species observed and mist netted and to hear from speakers discussing Indian Cave Biologically Unique Landscape conservation. Speakers: Adam Jones- Indian Cave State Park update Chance Brueggemann- Why Fungi are Important in Oak Woodland Ecosystems Krista Lang- How Annual Burning Impacts Oak Woodlands What to bring: Binoculars, Bird Identification Guide, Camera, Insect Repellent, Waterproof Boots, and Clothing appropriate for steep terrain and the weather. Also bring a bag chair to enjoy the speakers at noon.
Cost: FREE with valid State Park Permit
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Indian Cave State Park
65296 720 Rd., Shubert, NE 68437-9801
Is pre-registration required: Yes, please RSVP by 5:00 pm April 29, to Sam Cowan; 402-228-0301
Sponsored by: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Thursday, May 2
Friday, May 3
Family Campout and Birdwatching
6:30 PM – 8:30 AM
Wildlife Safari Park Bird Watching Campout is for Families and Small groups interested in Bird Watching. Early evening and mornings, at the park, offer some of the best bird viewing, so bring your sleeping bag, binoculars and cameras and join us for this special opportunity. Groups will stay in separate tents with cots or are welcome to bring their own tent for use. Guests must be four years of age or older. Cost is $40/person and program includes park admission, overnight stay, guided evening hike, evening snack, light morning breakfast, and animal ambassador visit. Guests are welcome to bring their own tents or additional food and drink (non-alcoholic) during their stay.
Cost: $40/person
Adults and Children 4-years-old and older; children must be accompanied by an adult
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
16406 292nd St, Ashland, NE 68003
IS pre-registration required: Yes, please register online here by April 19th
Sponsored by: Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Birds of a Feather Craft Together
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us in our Art Zone for special bird-themed crafts. You may also find a Feather Scavenger Hunt throughout the Museum. Can you find the feathers?
Cost: Free for museum members. Free to guests with general admission
Families, children must be accompanied by an adult
Kearney Area Children's Museum
The Alia Arram Memorial Building, 5827 4th Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: The Kearney Children’s Museum
Saturday, May 4
Beaks and Bills, Feathers and Quills
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kick off International Migratory Bird Month in Nebraska at Wildlife Safari Park. Migrate with us through the park, on an interactive journey, which includes Wetland Bird Viewing, a Bird Beak Buffet, Raptor Talks, and Migration Activities that highlight Native Nebraska songbirds, waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. Cost: Event activities are free to Wildlife Safari Park members or with paid Park admission.
All Ages , children must be accompanied by an adult
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
16406 292nd St, Ashland, NE 68003
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Migratory Bird Month Celebration- Wetland and Birding Hike
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join DeSoto Refuge staff with a celebration of International Migratory Bird Month. At 9:00 am join a refuge ranger for a wetland and birding hike. Then at 12:30 pm, get your hands dirty by doing a wetland discovery program. Learn why wetlands are so important to migratory birds.
Cost: Free with the purchase of a required day pass ($3.00) or annual pass ($15.00)
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley IA, 51555
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Celebrate National Bird Day
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us at Arbor Lodge Mansion as we team up with Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure to celebrate our feathered friends. Learn about the history of National Bird Day and enjoy a hidden “bird hunt” as you tour the beautiful historic home. This event is included with your Arbor Lodge Mansion admission. Questions? Call 402-873-7222. Go to arbordayfarm.org/admission for current hours.
Cost: FREE with Mansion admission: $8/adults; $6/children 3-12; children 2 and under are free
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Arbor Lodge at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
2600 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Arbor Day Farm
Lake Wanahoo Bird Walk
8:30 – 11:00 AM
We will spend time at various locations around the north end of Lake Wanahoo, beginning at the east parking lot at the breakwater. There will be some walking involved as well as some driving.
Cost: FREE
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Lake Wanahoo
County Rd N and Hwy 109 Parking area on east side of Lake Wanahoo, Wahoo, NE
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Wahoo Bird Club
Sunday, May 5
Migratory Bird Month Celebration- Eagle Nest Program
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn about Eagle nests and how eagles raise their young. Following program head out to Bob Starr Wildlife Overlook to look for eaglets in the nest.
Cost: Free with the purchase of a required day pass ($3.00) or annual pass ($15.00)
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley IA, 51555
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Celebrate National Bird Day
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us at Arbor Lodge Mansion as we team up with Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure to celebrate our feathered friends. Enjoy a hidden “bird hunt” as you tour the beautiful historic home. This event is included with your Arbor Lodge Mansion admission. Questions? Call 402-873-7222. Go to arbordayfarm.org/admission for current hours.
Cost: FREE with Mansion admission: $8/adults; $6/children 3-12; children 2 and under are free
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Arbor Lodge at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
2600 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Arbor Day Farm
Monday, May 6
Tuesday, May 7
Wednesday, May 8
Thursday, May 9
Friday, May 10
Saturday, May 11
SUPER BIRD SATURDAY: Birds 'n' Brews!
2:30 – 4:00 PM
We're partnering with our friends a Zipline Brewing Co. for this adults only event to chat about birds while enjoying some delicious brews. The presentation will be on bird names and how they got them, from colors and anatomy to being named after old dead dudes and silly sounds.
Cost: $15 per person
Adults Only
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339
Is pre-registration required: Yes, please email Spring Creek by May 10th at 1pm;
Sponsored by: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
SUPER BIRD SATURDAY: Family Bird Fair!
11:00AM – 2:00PM
A free family-fun festival celebrating Bird Month in Nebraska! Join us for kid-friendly bird walks, bird crafts, bird games, and more! Special book signing with Paul Johnsgard from 1-2pm. Paul will be signing both his new book all about Spring Creek Prairie and his kid's book, A Prairie's Not Scary.
All Ages , children must be accompanied by an adult
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
SUPER BIRD SATURDAY: Birds & Bites
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Enjoy a guided bird walk, focusing on bird songs & sounds, with The Birdnerd. Walk begins and/or ends with donuts & coffee!
Cost: $2 suggested donation
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Migratory Bird Day
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Crescent Lake NWR invites you to tour the Prairie Ranch Community in Garden County. The Refuge sits halfway between Highways 26, and Highway 2, with the main north south roads connected though the refuge. These roads allow an opportunity for several drive options crossing from Hwy 2-26, or a U back to the same highway. The refuge Headquarters will be staffed from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on May 11th allowing you to see displays in the visitor center and see bird carvings, and wildlife and Sandhills photography.
Cost: FREE
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Crescent Lake NWR
10630 Road 181, Ellsworth NE 69340
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Investigate Birds!
10:00AM – 12:00 PM
Join us in the science lab at Morrill Hall to investigate 'Birds'. Make your own bird feeder thanks to the support of Wild Bird Habitat! Be sure to visit the check-in station in the science lab during your visit to have your Investigate calendar marked. For every three events attended, children can qualify to move up as a “Science Investigator”, plus get a prize. Don’t have a calendar? Go to museum.unl.edu/investigate to download and print or pick-up a copy of the calendar on your next museum visit.
Cost: Free with Regular Museum Admission ($8/adults, $4/child)
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History
645 N. 14th St. Lincoln, Nebraska
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: University of Nebraska State Museum
Prairie Pines Nature Preserve Goes to the Birds!
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Join us in celebrating Nebraska Bird Month and International Migratory Bird Day with bird-inspired activities! Nebraska and the Great Plains are a pathway for many migratory birds, and we love our visiting and resident birds. There will be bird related activities for kids and a book reading and signing by Author and Editor of Nebraskaland Magazine, Jeff Kurrus. Kurrus wrote the children’s books, “Have you Seen Mary?”, “Can you Dance Like John?” and “The Tale of Jacob Swift”. His books will be available for sale. Prairie Pine’s trails and Nature Ninja course are open to the public from 8 AM – 5 PM on the “Second Saturday” of the month.
Cost: FREE, Donations accepted
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please.
Prairie Pines Nature Preserve
3100 N. 112th St. Lincoln, NE
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Prairie Pines
Bird Banding and Exploration
9:00 – 11:30AM
Join us at Heron Haven for a morning of bird explorations. We’ll start the day with Certified Bird Bander Rick Schmid as he mist-nets songbirds and engages visitors in the science of banding birds (9:30-11:30am). At 10:00am, we’ll join Bob Wells and the Audubon Society of Omaha for a brief PowerPoint and then hike through our woods, one of the top birding sites in Omaha. Other Bird Activities as well.
Cost: FREE!
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Heron Haven
11809 Old Maple Road, Omaha, NE 68134
Sponsored by: Heron Haven
International Migratory Bird Day at Ponca State Park
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ponca State Park will be leading fun bird activities throughout the day to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Morning activities include Archery and "Counting is for the Birds" Story Time. In the afternoon, visitors will enjoy programs on Bird Jeopardy, Bluebird's nest boxes, and Hummingbirds. For questions, call Ponca State Park 402-755-2284.
Cost: $1 for 6 arrows for archery in the morning. All other programs will be Free. All vehicles must have a valid State Park Permit
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Ponca State Park
88090 Spur 26 E Ponca, NE 68770
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Ponca State Park
Sunday, May 12
Mother's Day Bird Walk and Brunch
8:00 – 10:30 AM
Enjoy a day to celebrate mothers by joining us on an early morning bird walk followed by breakfast at the Nature Center. A guide for your walk plus a continental style breakfast will be provided. Binoculars will also available.
Cost: $17/person
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Pioneers Park Nature Center
3201 S. Coddington Ave, Lincoln, NE 68522
Is pre-registration required: Yes. Please call the Nature Center at 402-441-7895 by May 9 or click here
Sponsored by: Pioneers Park Nature Center
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14
Crane Trust Spring Bird Count
6:30 – 10:30AM
In celebration of Migratory Bird Day and Nebraska Bird Month we will hold our spring count. We will meet at 6:30 am at the Crane Trust's main headquarters where we’ll consolidate into as few cars as possible and split into teams of 3-4 to cover as many sites as possible. We will count birds in a variety of habitats from car and on foot. The event will last until approximately 10:30 am or 11:00 am. Please contact Andrew J. Caven at or (605)-252-8007 with any questions.
Cost: FREE
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult (probably best for children ages 12+)
Crane Trust Wild Rose Ranch Headquarters
6611 W Whooping Crane Drive, Wood River, Nebraska 68883
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Crane Trust
Wednesday, May 15
Nebraska Nature Series: Birds of Nebraska
5:00 – 6:00PM
Come and celebrate International Migratory Bird Month. Learn common birds of Nebraska, their calls,
identification tips and more.
Cost: FREE
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Norfolk Natural Market
312 West Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk NE 68701
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Northern Prairies Land Trust & Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Thursday, May 16
Family Nature Night: All About Birds
6:00 – 8:00PM
Family Nature Night aims to engage Norfolk area families in natural play. The Outdoor Classroom offers fort building, tree climbing, water play, music and dancing, a chance to get muddy and much more. Join us as we celebrate International Migratory Bird Month.
Cost: FREE
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2201 North 13th Street, Norfolk, NE 68701
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Northern Prairies Land Trust & Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Friday, May 17
Nebraska Ornithologist’s Union Spring meeting
May 17-19, 2019
4:00PM on May 17th though 11:00AM on May 19th
Grab your bins and come to Fairbury May 17, 18 and 19. Jefferson County and southeastern Nebraska host many great birds just waiting for you to see. The Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union is planning the annual spring birding event and meeting at this time and place. There will be field trips on Saturday and Sunday morning and speakers/dinner Friday and Saturday evening.
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Best for children 12+
Fairbury, NE
Specific locations depend on the field trip or activity, please see the NOU website
for more information – noubirds.org
Is pre-registration required: Yes
Sponsored by: Nebraska Ornithologist’s Union
Saturday, May 18
Birds, Bugs, and Bluegill
12:30 – 4:00PM
Come out to Keller Park State Recreation Area for a special event. We will be celebrating Free Park Entry Day with birding, fishing, and pollinator themed activities. We will provide lunch as well activities for the whole family.
Cost: FREE! Event takes place on free park day
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Keller Park State Recreation Area
From Ainsworth, Keller Park SRA is 5 miles east and 9 miles north of US Hwy 20 on US Hwy 183
Is pre-registration required: No
Keller Park State Recreation Area
Bird Scavenger Hunt
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Stop by the Administration Office and check out our birding area. We'll show you examples of homemade bird feeders and give you a recipe so you can make your own suet. A list of birds that are commonly seen in the park will be provided. Explore the park at your leisure and take pictures of the birds that you see. All forms should be turned in by 3pm. Prizes awarded to the top 3 bird finders.
Cost: All vehicles must have a valid state park permit
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
28500 West Park Highway
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Mahoney State Park
Birding Day at Johnson Lake SRA
10:00AM – 1:00PM
Come check at the birds found at Johnson Lake area and check out the bird viewing site. We’ll have binoculars so you can get a better glimpse of all the birds, as well as information about migrating birds.
Cost: All vehicles must have a valid State Park Permit
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Johnson Lake SRA
1 Drive 25A, Elwood, NE 68937
Larry Roper Trail south off of Drive 28 (right south of outlet canal bridge)
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Bird day at Fort Atkinson
8:00AM – 12:30PM
Join us for a full day of birds! We’ll start at 8:00AM with a bird banding demonstration (weather permitting) with Nebraska Wildlife Biologist. Then at 10:00AM we’ll have a habitat tour with biologist from Pheasants Forever. The day will end with an eagle presentation with DeSoto National Refuge at 11:30AM.
Cost: All vehicles must have a valid State Park Permit
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
201 S 7th Street, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
Rowe Adventures: Become a Bird Scientist
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Families can learn all about tools and techniques that scientists utilize to study birds. UNK professor, Letty Reichart, will talk about the process of mist netting birds and placing leg bands on the birds. Families can then learn how to properly use binoculars and field guides as they take a bird walk to count the birds they see along the trail. Bird counts will be entered in “eBird” to aid scientists keep track of bird species and numbers in the area.
Cost: Free will donation accepted
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Rowe Sanctuary Audubon Center
44450 Elm Island Road Gibbon, NE 68840
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Rowe Sanctuary Audubon Center
Feathered Friends Hike
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Come along and celebrate free park day at the Wildcat Hills. Take part in several great activities going on throughout this day-long celebration! Join us for a bird hike at 10am MST, wildflower walk, kids crafts and much more!
Cost: FREE due to FREE Park Day in Nebraska
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center
210615 Hwy 71, Gering, NE 69341
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center
Family Outdoor Club
10:00 – 11:30 AM
The Prairie Loft Family Outdoor Club happens the 3rd Saturday of every month, 10-11:30am, year-round. Each month's program includes active outdoor exploration, art activities, take-home projects, and more. Activities take place both indoors and out. Please dress for the weather. The morning starts with free choice learning, then story time, outdoor exploration, and creative activities to take home. Activities are designed for kids ages 2-8 with their grownups.
Cost: Free will donation: $5 per family per Saturday
Families; children must be accompanied by an adult
Prairie Loft Center
4705 DLD Road, Hastings
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Prairie Loft Center for Agriculture and Outdoor Learning
Saturday with our Naturalist
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Join the Pioneers Park Nature Center for a guided hike with a Naturalist. We'll go for a walk to explore the trails and learn about birds.
Cost: $5/person
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Pioneers Park Nature Center
3201 S. Coddington Ave, Lincoln, NE 68522
Is pre-registration required: Yes. Please call the Nature Center at 402-441-7895 by May 15 or click here
Sponsored by: Pioneers Park Nature Center
Feeder Fun
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Free Will Donation
At Feeder Fun each participant will have the opportunity to create an environmentally friendly bird feeder and fill it with a homemade bird feed mixture. Next, we will have the opportunity to enjoy time on the trails with friends and family while viewing and discovering more about Nebraska's migratory birds. During this time, you may hang your feeders in the park if you choose not to take them home. Afterwards, there will be an optional "campfire style" lunch with a free will donation.
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Pawnee State Recreation Area
3900 NW 105th St, Lincoln, NE 68524
Is pre-regsitration required: Yes, please call or e-mail Kaitlyn Eller 402-796-2362 or kaitlyn.eller@nebraska.gov by May 17
Sponsored by: Pawnee State Recreation Area
Smith Falls Bird Hike
May 18, 2019
8:30 – 11:00 AM
We will be walking part or all of a nature trail that will take us along the Niobrara River through ponderosa pine forest, northern boreal forest, eastern deciduous forest, and mixed-grass prairie habitats. What to wear: sturdy shoes, hat, and sunscreen. What to bring: water and snacks. Field guides and binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them. All level of birders invited! For more information, contact the Niobrara Council at 402-376-2793, or murphy@niobraracouncil.org.
Cost: FREE Park Day
All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Smith Falls State Park
90159 Smith Falls Rd, Valentine, NE 69201; meet at the Visitor’s Center
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: The Niobrara Council, Northern Prairies Land Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission,
Sunday, May 19
Monday, May 20
Tuesday, May 21
Birds and Bugs
10:30AM – 2:00PM
Join us for a free and fun event for the whole family. We’ll investigate birds and bugs at Everett Elementary.
Cost: Free
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Everett Elementary School
1123 C St, Lincoln, NE 68502
Is Pre-registration Required: No
Sponsored by: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Wildlife Federation
Wednesday, May 22
Birds 'n' Brews: Bird is the Word!
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Join Audubon Nebraska for brews and bird fun at The Happy Raven! Jason "the Birdnerd" St. Sauver will present on some bird fun facts as well as how birds got some of their crazy names based on color, anatomy, or being named after old dead dudes. The event will be a great way to learn your bird trivia in preparation for trivia night at The Happy Raven on June 3 - that will be all bird-themed, provided by Audubon Nebraska!
Cost: FREE
Adults Only (children welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; Happy Raven is kid-friendly with kid's corner)
The Happy Raven
122 N 11th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center and The Happy Raven
Thursday, May 23
Friday, May 24
Saturday, May 25
Western Nebraska Bird Day!
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ever wonder what kind of birds we have in Nebraska? Come on out to Riverside Discovery Center and learn about birds in your backyard! We will have games and activities available.
Cost: Regular Zoo admission applies but FREE for ZOO members. Adults (13-64): $8.00, Seniors (65+): $5.50, Children(5-12): $5.00 Toddlers (2-4): $3.00
All Ages ; children must be accompanied by an adult
Riverside Discovery Center
1600 South Beltline Highway West Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Is pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Riverside Discovery Center
Indian Cave State Park Migratory Bird Day
8:00AM – 10:00 PM
Indian Cave State Park is celebrating Migratory Bird Day with MANY activities for both kids and adults from 1pm-3pm. We have a guided bird walk starting at 8am, a cookout from 6pm-7pm, and our annual glow-in-the-dark egg hunt at 9pm.
Cost: Valid state park permit. $9/Adult $6/kids for cookout
All Ages; children must be accompanied by an adult
Indian Cave State Park
65296 720 Road Shubert, NE 68437
Is Pre-registration required: No
Sponsored by: Indian Cave State Park
Sunday, May 26
Monday, May 27
Tuesday, May 28
Wednesday, May 29
Thursday, May 30
Friday, May 31