Registration for Nature Center Spring Birding Programs Now Open

Published on February 14, 2024

The Parks and Recreation Department today announced that registration for Pioneers Park Nature Center birding programs is now open. Preregistration is required for all events. To register, visit lincoln.ne.gov/PPNCprograms or contact the Nature Center at 402-441-7895 or naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov.

• Great Backyard Bird Count: Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m. – Each year people participate in this worldwide community science event to watch, learn, count, and celebrate birds. Participants will meet at the Chet Ager Building to watch the feeders, followed by a guided hike, weather permitting. Birders of all levels are welcome. The registration deadline is noon Thursday, February 15. A suggested donation is $5. Learn more about the bird count at allaboutbirds.org.

• Sandhill Crane Trip, Wednesday: March 6, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Participants will visit the largest Sandhill Crane roost in the world – the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, near Alda, NE. A Pioneers Park Nature Center Naturalist and Coordinator will accompany the group for a private blind viewing of thousands of Sandhill Cranes at their evening roost. The program includes a stop at Mormon Island State Recreation Area for wildlife watching and a light dinner in Grand Island.

  Participants should dress for the outdoors, and are urged to bring binoculars, cameras, and other recording equipment. Binoculars will be available at the event. There will be a quarter mile walk from the bus to the blind in low light over uneven terrain. The registration deadline is February 23. The fee is $120 per person. Space is limited and participants must be age 12 or older. The group will depart from Auld Pavilion in Antelope Park, 1650 Memorial Dr.

• Mother’s Day Bird Walk: Sunday, May 12, 9 to 11 a.m. – This program celebrates Migratory Bird Month in May and Mother's Day with a short walk at the Nature Center. This event will include an exploration of the wetland and woodland areas looking and listening for springtime birds. Participants are urged to bring binoculars and may borrow them from the Nature Center. The registration deadline is noon May 9. There are no drop-ins and the fee is $5 per person.

For more information about the Pioneers Park Nature Center, visit lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. For more information about Parks and Recreation, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.