Free birding for Hancock County high schoolers.
The Young Birders Club is simple: most weekends, year-round, we pile into a 14-passenger bus and spend the day birding somewhere new. It’s free, with binoculars, scopes, and field guides provided. Oh, and free ice cream.
No experience needed
Almost every YB (young birder) starts from scratch. Within a few weeks you’ll be identifying dozens of birds by sight and sound, and before long you’ll be helping newer members and occasionally doubting the leader’s IDs.
We go places you wouldn’t go otherwise
Deer Isle, Blue Hill, Ellsworth, MDI, and beyond. Sometimes by boat, to Great Duck Island, Hog Island, and Great Cranberry. We’ve done hawk watches, an owl prowl after dark, and competed in birding competitions. We also learn that abandoned buildings, sewage ponds, and other people’s feeders are all great places to find birds.
As competitive as you make it
Some YBs chase year lists and the eBird leaderboard. Others come for photography, or just to be outside with friends. Everyone learns that their checklists are real scientific data. And we don’t take ourselves too seriously: skipping rocks and poking at jellyfish are part of the experience too.
Come to as many outings as you like
The club is for high school students and recent graduates. Outings are led by James Longo, a Downeast Audubon board member and University of Maine PhD candidate.
Ready for your own binoculars?
YBs, their families, and club supporters get 10% off Vortex optics. See the gear discount for the code.