Who?

Are you 8 to15 years old and enjoy watching birds? Join our club! A program presented by the Baltimore Birding Club, a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society. Our leaders:

• Marty Brazeau: (Coordinator) Marty is a school librarian, storyteller, and outdoor educator. Marty began birding at ten years of age after he found a Peterson Field Guide in the library and then received a pair of binoculars as a prize for selling Christmas cards. He has visited Costa Rica many times to watch and film birds.
• John Robinson: (Bird Hike Leader) John is a seasoned birder and spider authority. He has a degree in biology from Loyola University and was an interpretive naturalist for the Rhode Island Audubon Society. Years ago he served as the Ecology Conservation Director at Broad Creek Scout Camp for several summers. John has been known to call in a few owls.

Join other young birders on youth-centered bird hikes and weekend outings. You will locate, identify, and study birds with binoculars, field guides, and iPod apps. Record birds seen and contribute your data on the eBird website to benefit bird conservation. If the birds are sparse, we may also discover some interesting plants and animals along the trail. As you advance in the program, create bird videos to be shared at bird club meetings or online, join a "World Series of Birding" team, or travel to Costa Rica with the club to search for toucans, macaws, manikins, and hummingbirds.

When & Where?

Bird in the Baltimore area year-round. A schedule is below.

Why?

Many now have "Nature Deficit Disorder," otherwise known as NDD! You won’t contract the disease if you turn off your TV and video games and join us on a forest trail discovering birds. Our club may lead you to a lifelong environmental interest or career. Years ago, Conservation International ornithologist Bruce Beehler was a youth bird club member. He was recently featured on 60 Minutes showing viewers birds lost to science and the newly discovered Wattled Smoky Honeyeater in the pristine Foja Mountains of New Guinea.

How?

You will need to attend our programs with a parent or a sanctioned adult. Mom and Dad will benefit by learning ways of enjoying nature at home and on family vacations. If available, bring a pair of binoculars and a bird field guide on our hikes. We may be able to lend you binoculars. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes. Our program is free. However, for a measly $10, you can become a Junior member of the Baltimore Bird Club. Visit our website at: http://tropicbirder.wix.com/baltimore-orioles-junior#!

We hope you will become a "gung ho birder" and want to attend evening lectures and bird club walks. Visit the club’s web page for member information: http://baltimorebirdclub.org

Contact Marty Brazeau to register for the program, ask questions, or get binocular purchasing advice. Phone: 410-583-0275, email:

FEB 9 (Sat) 8:00 a.m. YOUTH BIRDING AT LOCH RAVEN. Ages 8-15 with parent. Waterbirds and land birds. Possible Bald Eagle, Bluebird, Common Loon. Two-mile level walk. Leader: Marty Brazeau at 410-583-0275 or
*Directions for Loch Raven. From Baltimore Beltway I-695, take exit 27, Dulaney Valley Rd north, go several miles, cross large bridge over reservoir, and bear right immediately. Continue to first left, Stone Hill Rd. Go about 100 yards, turn around, and then park on your right. All cars need to park on the same side of the road.

MARCH TRIP. We will e-mail you the date and time for this trip: e-mail Marty at if you are interested.

MAY 4 (Sat) 8:30 a.m. YOUTH BIRDING AT OREGON RIDGE PARK. Ages 8-15 with parent. On the best warbler birding day of the year learn about how to bird with other birders ages 8 to 15. Learn how to use field guides and iPod apps to locate birds. Please register for this program. To register contact Marty Brazeau at (410) 583-0275 or .

MAY 17-19 (Fri night -Sun noon) YOUTH BIRDING WEEKEND AT CAREY RUN SANCTUARY, FROSTBURG MARYLAND. LEADER: MARTY BRAZEAU. Join us for the weekend in the mountains of Western Maryland. We will stay in an old farmhouse at a 162-acre bird sanctuary. We will visit local state parks to bird for mountain nesting warblers. This trip is limited to 10 persons. For details, contact leader Marty Brazeau at (410) 583-0275 or .