UMaine Extension offers virtual backyard bird learning series for kids
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting a 10-session, online backyard birding course where youth ages 10-14 will learn to identify common backyard birds and develop observation and documentation skills. (Photo courtesy University of Maine)
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting a 10-session, online backyard birding course where youth ages 10-14 will learn to identify common backyard birds and develop observation and documentation skills. (Photo courtesy University of Maine)
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer “Introduction to Project Feeder Watch,” a 10-session online series for Maine youth ages 10-14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., on select Mondays from November 2, 2026, through April 12, 2027. Sessions will be held via Zoom.
Participants will learn to identify common backyard birds while exploring bird beaks, diets and habitats, and developing observation and documentation skills through regular feeder observations. No previous bird identification experience is required. The series will be led by Carolyn Reece, leader of the Pollinator Protectors 4-H club, and Erin McDonald, a 4-H Youth Development Professional in York County. The sessions are modeled after the national Project Feeder Watch program. Families have the option to participate in that program for an additional fee, however it’s not required.
Participation is free; registration is required by 11 p.m. on October 19. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants, with a waitlist available after capacity is reached. For event information and registration, visit the program webpage.
If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Sarah Sparks at 207.581.8206 or sarah.sparks@maine.edu by October 19, 2026.
Support for 4-H Virtual Learning programs is provided by the Maine 4-H Foundation.
About University of Maine Cooperative Extension: As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and help grow the food-based economy. Extension also leads Maine’s 4-H program, the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in the state. 4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing and are developed to fit a variety of backgrounds, interests, budgets and schedules. Participants complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
