Celebrate Bird Month in Nebraska
Each year, May is Bird Month in Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and partner organizations celebrate with a variety of activities across the state throughout the month.
This year’s theme is Protect insects, Protech Birds — because insects are an essential source of energy for birds during their migration journey.
Find more information about the month or more than 25 events planned at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “Nebraska Bird Month.”
Following are a few ways to participate hosted by Game and Parks:
Come to Birds at the Brewhaus in Hartington
Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month on May 9 with Birds at the Brewhaus in Hartington.
Big Hair Brewhaus, located at 306 N. Broadway, will host the 7 p.m. event, including bird trivia, a local speaker discussing birds in the area, and a talk on the brewing process by the owner.
The event is free. Registration is not required.
For more information or questions, email kyle.schumacher@nebraska.gov.
Birding hikes at Platte River SP, Schramm on May 11
Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and World Migratory Bird Day with a naturalist-led birding hike in the Venture Parks on May 11.
One hike will start at 8:30 a.m. at Platte River State Park. Hikers should meet at the Nature Center below Mallet Lodge. Another hike begins at 10 a.m. at Schramm Park Education Center. Meet in the lobby.
Discover what it takes to be a birder and the skills to help identify birds.
Wise and Wild is May 14 at James Family Conservatory
Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On May 14, the topic will be Birds and Bugs: Celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and World Migratory Bird Day. Discover why insects are essential for many migratory bird species during their breeding seasons and migration journeys.
This program is free, but a park entry permit is required.
See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
Flock to Birds of a Feather on May 14
Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On May 14, the topic for this bird-related program for all ages will be Birds and Bugs. Discover why insects are essential for many migratory bird species during their breeding seasons and migration journeys.
This program is free but a park entry permit is required.
Flying WILD educator workshop May 22
Join Nebraska Game and Parks in a Flying WILD Educator Workshop in conjunction with Nebraska Bird Month at Prairie Pines in Lincoln at 6 p.m. May 22.
Each participant will walk away with a wealth of knowledge about Nebraska birds, a new Flying WILD curriculum guide, and more.
The workshop, limited to 25 participants, is free but registration is required. See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register. Email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov with questions.
Visit Indian Cave SP for Migratory Bird Day
Indian Cave State Park will host a variety of family-friendly activities during the 10th Annual Migratory Bird Day on May 25.
The festivities start at 3 p.m. with a guided bird outing. Fun, hands-on bird crafts and games for all ages will take place from 4-6 p.m., followed by a fish fry from 6-7 p.m. and a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt at 9 p.m.
See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
Birding for Everybody and Every Body May 25 at Indian Cave
Come to Indian Cave State Park on May 25 for Birding for Everybody and Every Body.
This free birding activity is accessible and inclusive. It is open to everyone, including beginner birders and families with small children. Join a guided bird outing through the new trail near the pollinator gardens. The trail is a mowed grass trail with a slight slope and is well shaded by tree cover. Meet at the museum gazebo at 3 p.m.
See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
All About Owls coming to Louisville
Learn about Nebraska’s owls at the All About Owls event May 25 at Louisville State Recreation Area.
Participants will learn how to dissect an owl pellet and then go on an owl hike.
Meet at the Meisinger Shelter across from concessions at 8:30 p.m.
Nebraska Birding Bowl returns this May
Participate in the second Nebraska Birding Bowl and learn about birds, enjoy the outdoors and contribute data toward bird conservation. This fun, free statewide birding competition is returning this May for Nebraska Bird Month.
The Birding Bowl is a great opportunity to try out this hobby, improve skills, and share your love of birding with others. Birding opportunities exist across the state.
Participants of all levels are invited. Birders will compete as individuals or teams, registering online in April or May. They may participate in one of the following categories:
- Fledgling Flock — for youth groups and families to introduce birding to youth.
- Backyard Birder — for households that enjoy watching birds from their home.
- Dabbling Birder — for beginner-to-casual birders.
- Competitive Birder — for those who like to observe the most bird species.
Birders will use eBird, a community science platform, to track observations while contributing data for bird conservation.
Teams have a chance to win prizes, such as a two-night cabin stay at a state park, bird feeders, binoculars and a $1,000 cash prize.
The Nebraska Birding Bowl is a joint project of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Audubon Great Plains and the Wild Bird Habitat Store.
Visit birdtrail.outdoornebraska.gov/
