Go Birding at NBNC

Birdlife abounds at our wildlife sanctuary at the edge of Montpelier. Over 160 species have been observed at our fields, floodplain forests, and a beautiful river. Savannah Sparrows sing from the tall grass, American Redstarts  call from the treetops, and Belted Kingfishers dart across the riverbank. Grab your binoculars and come on over to enjoy central Vermont birding at its best! Our trails are free and open to the public 24/7.

Friday Morning Bird Walks 

During spring and fall, join NBNC staff and expert birders on casual walks across the property to observe our region's avifauna. These inexpensive (and free for members) outings are perfect for honing your skills in the company of other local birders. Friday mornings in May and September. See our calendar for more information.

Birding Trips

Travel across Vermont and across the world on birding trips with NBNC experts. We offer regular local outings to Vermont hot spots such as Lake Champlain and the Northeast Kingdom. We offer seasonal regional trips to northeastern birding destinations like Cape Ann, Massachusetts and coastal Maine. And join us on our biannual, life-changing Adventures Afar to international birding destinations like Costa Rica, Ecuador, coastal Texas, Spain, and more. Click Here to browse our upcoming travel trips.

Birding Basics Class

In NBNC's annual spring course, develop a breadth of knowledge and skills to better appreciate Vermont’s common and not-so-common birdlife. Identify species from sight and sound, explore avian ecology, and immerse in local avian research programs. Whether you are a backyard birdwatcher ready to expand your knowledge, or a passionate naturalist seeking a fun approach to field ornithology, this course is the perfect primer for better birding in Vermont. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming offerings.

Youth Birding

NBNC welcomes young birders of all ages to participate in our programs for young naturalists. In addition to regular overnight trips around Vermont and New York, NBNC has a twenty-year history of bringing youth and teen teams to birding competitions such as the World Series of Birding and the Superbowl of Birding. Check out our Young Naturalists  page to find out more.

Community Science

From Christmas Bird Counts to owl banding to songbird research, NBNC has a rich tradition of involving volunteers in citizen science bird conservation work. See our Community Science page for more information.