Check-out 2021 events...new events added weekly!
Statewide
All through May
Nebraska Bird Month BirdBlitz
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
With just your smart phone, you can log the birds you have identified and help generate real scientific data about bird populations in Nebraska. The Nebraska Bird Month BirdBlitz is modeled after a bioblitz, which is and event where community volunteers work to identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a designated period of time. The Birdblitz will focus specifically on birds the entire month of May. From anywhere in the state you can participate in this community science effort. For more information head over to the
Nebraska Bird Month BirdBlitz page.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
To join, go the Birdblitz iNaturalist Project
Statewide
Tuesday, May 11th. 2021
Flying WILD Educator Workshop
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Zoom
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In this educator workshop participants will be provided with activities that teach students about birds, their migration, and what people can do to help birds and their habitats. These activities can then be used to teach classroom lesson or to set up service-learning projects about birds and their habitats. After the workshop participants will receive the Flying WILD curriculum guide and a certificate of 2 in-service hours.
Ages: Adults Only
Fee: FREE
Is pre-registartion required? Yes
For Questions Contact:
Statewide
Saturday May 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th, 2021
Fontenelle Forest Live Raptor Zoomlet Features
12:00 pm to 12:15 pm
Zoom
Zoomlet Program Featurin live raptors of Nebraska.
May 3rd-Peregrine Falcon
May 4th- Red-tailed Hawk
May 5th- Merlin
May 6th- Barn Owl
May 7th- Turkey Vulture
Ages: All Ages
Fee: Free
Is pre-registartion required? Yes. Register Here
Statewide
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
Migratory Raptor Virtual Program
Fontenelle Forest/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Zoom
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Fontenelle Forest Raptor Team handlers will present a Migratory Raptor Zoom program, featuring 3 live species: Barn owl, Swainson’s hawk and Peregrine falcon. The audience will learn about migratory styles and patterns and learn how light pollution affects their journeys.
Ages: All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Fee: FREE!
Is pre-registartion required? Yes.
Registration Deadline: May 22nd, 2021
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Ashland
Saturday, May 8th, 2021
Beaks and Bills, Feathers and Quills
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Lower Wolf Woods Area of the Park
16406 N. 292 Street Ashland
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Come learn all about birds with various activities to participate in! Go on a hike to look for birds, see how wide you can spread your arms and compare that to bird wingspans, and more interactive activities! We also have various species of birds that call Nebraska home or that pass through the state in exhibits throughout the Park.
Ages: All Ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: Free with Park membership or paid admission- $8.00 (ages 12+), $6.00 (ages 3-11), $7.00 ( ages 65+), Children age 2 and under free.
Is pre-registartion required? No.
Bellevue
Saturday, May 8th. 2021
Migratory Bird Day Celebration
Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North, Bellevue
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Guided migratory bird hikes, Audubon Society Omaha will share information on migratory songbirds, migratory raptors on display.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: Free with admission to the forest. See website for admission prices.
Is pre-registartion required? No
Crawford
Saturday, May 15th. 2021
Fort Robinson SP Birding Hike
Fort Robinson State Park
3200 US Hwy 20, Crawford
9:oo am to 10:00 am
Join Nebraska Game & Parks, US Forest Service and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies staff as we bird along the river at Fort Robinson State Park! During the hike we will learn about the diversity of birds that call the park home, share some tips and tricks for bird id in the field and celebrate Nebraska Bird Month. Please bring your own binoculars and field guides, a limited number of binoculars and field guides will be available during the hike.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE! State Park Permit Required
Is pre-registartion required? Yes, call 308-436-3777 to register.
Registration Deadline: May 15th, 2021
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Denton
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
SUPER BIRD SATURDAY
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
11700 SW 100th St, Denton
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join us to celebrate BIRD MONTH in Nebraska at this family-fun event on the prairie. And we'll be setting everything up socially-distant and safe for COVID19 concerns, and ask participants to still wear masks. We'll have bird crafts, bird games, a bird watching station, family bird yoga at 10:30am, and a live bird presentation at 11:30am. Pack a picnic if you want to end the day with lunch and come join the free fun!
Fee: FREE!
No Pre-registration required.
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Elwood
Saturday, May 15th, 2021
Call of the Wild
Johnson Lake Trailhead & Bird Viewing Blind
1 Drive 25A, Elwood, NE 68937
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Listen to the calls of the wild during a drive or hike while recording bird observations in the Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Call of the Wild. Species of interest for this weekend are: Upland Game Birds—Greater Prairie Chickens, Sharp-tail Grouse, Northern Bobwhite Quail, Ring-neck Pheasant. These birds are currently in their breeding season where grouse will be gathered lekking (breeding ground hotspots), and male pheasant and quail will be claiming their territory vocally. This location at the Johnson Lake Trailhead provides both identification assistance and fun activities on May 15th from 10am to 1pm! Nebraska Master Naturalist Vicki will be available with her stuffed birds and activities near the bird viewing blind at the trailhead and along the community paved path. Habitat is available along the path and around the lake for participants to explore and record various bird species in the area.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE! State Park Permit Required
Is pre-registration required? Yes, May 10th
Contact: Holly Mauslein
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever of Nebraska
Fairbury
Saturday, May 8th, 2021
Bird Hike at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
57426 710th Rd, Fairbury
8:30 am to 9:15 pm
Join the Watchable Wildlife Biologist for an enjoyable bird hike at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. This hike is one of several hikes offered for Natural History and Habitat Day at the park. Together we will discover the birds of the park, observing their unique behaviors and listening to their songs. We will also explore how management of the park benefits the variety of bird species we see.
Ages: All Ages, Families.
Fee: Free with valid State Park Permit.
Is pre-registration required? No.
Gering
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
Wildcat Hills Bird Hike
Wildcat Hills SRA and Nature Center
210615 Hwy 71, Gering
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Come along as we discover the birds that call the Wildcat Hills home. Uncover cool adaptations, local research projects and common birds in the area.
Ages: All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Fee: FREE! Must have valid State Park permit.
Is pre-registartion required? Yes, call 308-436-3777 to register.
Registration Deadline: May 21st, 2021
Gibbon
Saturday, May 1st, 2021
Bird Walk Along the Platte
Rowe Sanctuary
44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join a Rowe Sanctuary staff member or volunteer for a guided bird walk along the Platte River and enjoy the sights and sounds of the birds. This event is FREE but registration is required as we will be limiting the group to only 15 participants per day. Masks are required during the walk at all times.
Ages: All Ages.
Fee: FREE!
Is pre-registration required? Yes. Registration deadline, April 30th.
Registration deadline, April 30th.
Gibbon
Sunday, May 2nd, 2021
Bird Walk Along the Platte
Rowe Sanctuary
44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Join a Rowe Sanctuary staff member or volunteer for a guided bird walk along the Platte River and enjoy the sights and sounds of the birds. This event is FREE but registration is required as we will be limiting the group to only 15 participants per day. Masks are required during the walk at all times.
Ages: All Ages.
Fee: FREE!
Is pre-registration required? Yes. Registration deadline, April 30th.
Registration deadline, April 30th.
Gretna
Saturday, May 15th, 2021
Bird Walk at Schramm Park State Recreation Area
Schramm Education Center
21502 West Hwy 31, Gretna, 68028
8:30 am to 10:00 am
Join the Watchable Wildlife Biologist for an enjoyable bird walk at Schramm Park State Recreation Area. Together we will discover the birds of the park, observing their unique behaviors and listening to their songs. During the walk we will learn how different management actions at this Nebraska Natural Legacy Demonstration Site benefit the variety of bird species we see. We will start and end the walk from the Schramm Education Center Parking lot near the bird feeders. While you are here for the hike, stop by Schramm Education Center. When you visit the front desk, mention that you are with the Nebraska Game and Parks Birding Walk group to get our discounted rate: $2.50 youth, 3 and under free, $3 adults. Ask at the front desk to rent a Birding Backpack - complete with binoculars and bird books. Enjoy the birding area in the center, along with our many Nebraska-native fish, reptiles and amphibians on display.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: (i.e. participants must have a valid State Park permit; $10 per family; $3/child, $5/adult; etc.)
Is pre-registration required? No
Contact: Olivia DaRugna
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Gretna
Throughout May, 2021
Nebraska Bird Month at Schramm
Schramm Education Center
21502 West Hwy 31, Gretna
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visit Schramm Education Center anytime in May to celebrate Nebraska Bird Month. In the birding area of the center, we will have a table dedicated to birding. Are you new to birding? Ask at the front desk to rent a Birding Backpack - complete with binoculars, bird books and more to take out on a trail with you and see why birding has gained nationwide attention for it's many benefits.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: Admission to the Education Center Required
Is pre-registartion required? No
Hastings
Saturday, May 15th. 2021
Family Outdoor Club - Theme: For the Birds!
Prairie Loft
4705 DLD Road, Hastings
10:00 am to 11:30 am
For the Birds! May is Migratory Bird Month, so we are celebrating and learning about our feathered friends. Activities are designed for kids ages 2-8 with their grownups. Free will donation: $5 per family. All are welcome! The program begins at 10:00 with free choice time, followed by story time, active outdoor exploration, art activities, and take-home projects. Activities take place both indoors and out. Please dress for the weather and expect to get a little messy. No need to RSVP. Just come ready to learn and have fun!
Ages: Kids ages 2-8 and their grown-ups.
Fee: $5 per family suggested donation
Is pre-registartion required? No
Lincoln
Sunday May 9th, 2021
Mother's Day Bird Walk
Pioneers Park Nature Center
3201 S. Coddington Ave, Lincoln
9:00 am to 10:30 am
May is Migratory Bird Month and May 9th is Mother’s Day. Let’s celebrate both with a bird walk at the Nature Center. This program will include a short hike in Flemming Woods and time for exploration along the trails. Bring your own binoculars or request to borrow a pair from the Nature Center.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $5
Is pre-registartion required? Yes, Call 402-441-7895 or
Registration Deadline: May 6th, 2021
Nebraska City
Saturday, May 15th & 22nd, 2021
Fine Feathered Friends
Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure
2611 Arbor Ave./Nebraska City, NE 68410
10:30 am to 3:30 pm
FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS DAY It’s an amazing phenomenon that happens every spring — our fine feathered friends return from the south. Come celebrate this seasonal movement with us during Migratory Bird Month. Stop at our guide stations along the trail to learn what makes feathers special and so varied in color, shape, and function. Then enjoy making a feather craft to take home with you!
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE with Tree Adventure admission; $11/child (3-12), $13/adult
Is pre-registration required? No
Contact: Sonnie Nelson
North Platte
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
Buffalo Bill Birding
Buffalo Bill Ranch SRA
2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road, North Platte
8:00 am to 10:00 am
All ages are welcome to attend. Learn birding and photography tips, bird feeding tips, and then go on a hike to find birds. Some binoculars and birding books will be on loan for the event; bring your own if you have them.
Ages: All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Fee: FREE! Free Park Entry Day
Is pre-registartion required? No
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Omaha
Saturday, May 1st, 2021
Birding Hike at Heron Haven
Heron Haven
11809 Old Maple Rd, Omaha
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Education team in a birding hike at Heron Haven! Binoculars provided! Dress appropriately for the weather and we will see you there! NOTE- the nature center is closed so there is no access to restrooms!
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!
No pre-registration required.
Omaha
Saturday, May 8th, 2021
Warbler Walk
Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft St, Omaha
9:00 am to 11:30 am
23 different warblers have been spotted at Lauritzen Gardens. Warblers are beautiful little birds that migrate up the Missouri River in the spring. In celebration of Nebraska Migratory Bird Month, director of conservation Jim Locklear will lead a walking tour of Lauritzen Gardens that will highlight the natural history of these captivating travelers.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $5/member $15/non-member
Is pre-registartion required? Yes, Visit website to Register.
Registration Deadline: May 1st, 2021
Ponca
Saturday, May 8th, 2021
Ponca State Park Celebrates Migratory Bird Day and Nebraska Bird Month
Ponca State Park
88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Join us all day for birding programs, visit our wildlife viewing areas, and explore the park looking for the wide variety of birds passing through and living at Ponca State Park. Full schedule will be posted at the park and on Facebook: Ponca State Park NE.
Ages: All Ages, Families.
Fee: Free with valid State Park Permit.
Is pre-registration required? Yes. Resource and Education Center on the day of the event.
Registration Deadline: May 8th, 2021
Scottsbluff
Saturday, May 15th. 2021
Birds of Nebraska
Riverside Discovery Center
1600 South Beltline Highway West, Scottsbluff
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Due to Covid. This year explorer packs, "Birds of Nebraska" will be available to purchase in the zoo gift shop. Packs include a workbook, hands-on activities, crafts, fun giveaway surprises, snack,s and juice box. Packs with a drawstring backpack are $17.99 (zoo members) and $19.99 (non zoo members). Explorer Packs without the drawstring backpacks are $8 for members and $12 for non zoo members. We can ship packs to anyone as well, please call the zoo giftshop at 308-630-6236 for more information. We may be having an in-person event but it depends on how Covid cases look in the community. Please call the zoo gift shop 308-630-6236 to varify. Thank you!
Ages: All Ages
Fee: Regular Admission Applies
Is pre-registartion required? No
Tecumseh
Saturday, May 15th, 2021
Call of the Wild
Near Tecumseh. Address will be provided upon registration.
5:45 am to 10:00 am
Listen to the calls of the wild during a drive or hike while recording bird observations in the Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Call of the Wild. Species of interest for this weekend are: Upland Game Birds—Greater Prairie Chickens, Sharp-tail Grouse, Northern Bobwhite Quail, Ring-neck Pheasant. These birds are currently in their breeding season where grouse will be gathered lekking (breeding ground hotspots), and male pheasant and quail will be claiming their territory vocally. Private landowner and Nebraska Master Naturalist Dan Leuenberger, extends a special invitation to the public to his man-made lek and restored prairie during the Call of the Wild. Just outside of Tecumseh in Johnson County, participants will meet at 5:45am (early birds see more birds!) to learn more about Dan’s conservation success on his site, listen to the morning whistles of bobwhites, and identify other grassland songbirds that call Dan’s habitat restoration project home. The tour will conclude at 10am. Instructions on how to get to the site will be sent out to registered participants only.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE!!
Is pre-registration required? Yes, May 10th
Contact: Holly Mauslein
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever of Nebraska