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Birding Walks

Discover and learn about some of the wild birds that visit the Zoo!

 

Join one of our Education Department’s 'bird nerds' as you stroll the grounds from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., visiting the “birdiest” areas on Zoo grounds before it opens to the general public.  We will help you identify our local feathered friends and submit a checklist to eBird at the end of our walk.  Birders of all skill levels are able to participate and enjoy the experience. 

 

Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us.  These birding walks are appropriate for adults and kids ages 7 and up.  They are limited to 10 people, so sign up early! 

 

Registration is $10 for members and $20 for non-members, and includes Zoo admission so you can stay and watch birds even after the program!

 

Sign Up 

 

About the Insructors:  

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Leigh Spencer is the Great Plains Zoo's Education Services Manager and an avid birder.  She has been birding for nearly 20 years, traveling all over the country and even internationally to search for birds.  Leigh currently has 525 North American birds on her life list, with another 329 observed outside of the US.

 

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Katy Carchedi always enjoyed looking at wildlife, but after taking an ornithology class in college, she took identifying birds up as a hobby. After college she has kept up with birding especially in an urban environment. Katy is originally from Boston so she knows a lot of east coast birds but has enjoyed getting new birds for her list while living in Sioux Falls. 

  • Love this zoo! Great place to get a walk in and the animals are everywhere! The museum/indoor part is very educational too. Has a lot of shade for when it's hot out. Very clean. Friendly staff.

    Taylor F.

  • We love to visit the zoo. They have great outdoor exhibits and lots to do inside as well. Great for kids and adults.

    Robin A.

  • Lots of great exhibits and animals to see! Fun gift shop and learning center.

    Stephanie N.

  • The museum gives you a break from the sun on hot summer days and has a great selection of animal exhibits from around the world.  The zoo keeps growing and adding new animal habitats or improving existing ones.  Membership offers reciprocal benefits to other zoos around the country.

    Bill T.
Admission