Resource for Young Birders

The Raptor Center is always happy to help and encourage young learners, especially if they are interested in birds.  We will soon feature the work that our Youth Raptor Corps 2012/2013 members are working on.  We'd like to share information on the Minnesota Young Birder Club.  It connects youth to other young birders in the state via monthly field days, workshops, and social media. They are now
recruiting youth ages 13-18 to join.  They provide a challenging environment where youth can learn about birds, conservation and science while socializing with friends. The club is a project of the Science Museum of Minnesota and Warner Nature Center.

*Skills*: Through hands-on workshops you can learn about how to identify, attract and help birds. You'll develop skills with the latest gear and learn how and where to find birds in the field.
*Conservation*: By taking part in conservation projects you can help improve habitat for birds in Minnesota.
 *Science*: Get trained on citizen science programs such as e-bird, project feeder watch, project nest watch and more. You'll not only learn how scientists collect data but you can actually take part in and contribute to real scientific research.
*Community*: Interact with peers in friendly competitions, challenges and learning experiences. Share your photos, observations and stories online. Members interact via our private invitation-only Facebook group. Youth members can post photos or questions while keeping up on what's happening in the group.

The club is open to youth ages 13-18 from Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Any youth may attend one sample event without being a member but you must become a member if you wish to continue to attend events.

Youth Member Application
http://www.smm.org/static/warner/mnybc-youth.pdf

Adult Sponsor Form
http://www.smm.org/static/warner/mnybc-youth.pdf