Backyard Birds and Beyond with Greg Bodker

Youth Birding Program

A shorter, high-energy version of the birding talk for younger audiences — more video, kid-friendly pacing, and lots of “wow” moments.

Audiences
Children and families · School and library youth groups · Ages ~5 and up
Length
About 30 minutes, plus questions
A young boy sitting quietly on a screened porch, watching a Sandhill Crane standing just outside.

The Youth Birding Program is a condensed version of “Birdwatching and Birding,” running about 30 minutes before questions. It uses a higher percentage of video to keep younger audiences engaged and the content is tailored to the age of the group.

It has been presented to school groups, libraries, and youth organizations — with feedback noting that it works for “anyone 5 to 105.” Kids see feeders, feisty squirrels, Sandhill Cranes, woodpeckers, and other birds up close.

What the program covers

  • Bird identification and behavior, kid-friendly
  • Backyard feeders — and outsmarting squirrels
  • Meet Sandhill Cranes, woodpeckers, ducks, and shorebirds
  • Setting up birdhouses for close-up views
  • Getting outside and noticing wildlife
Greg presenting to a large group of seated elementary students, with bird books, a feeder, and nesting materials laid out on a table.
Presenting to third graders — feeders, books, and plenty of questions.
A handwritten thank-you postcard resting on a green “Bird Nerd ’24–’25, Grayling Elementary School” T-shirt. It reads: “Dear Greg, We, our 3rd grade team and students, want to thank you for your time and talents in the bird nerding adventures. We were engaged and learned lots of new information about our beloved birds. Enjoy your shirt! We hope to get together again in the future. Thank you!”
A thank-you note and “Bird Nerd” shirt from the third-grade team at Grayling Elementary.
A downy Mallard duckling swimming toward the camera, its reflection visible in the water.
A Mallard chick, still showing its egg tooth.
A young boy reaching up to fill a backyard bird feeder.
Grandson helping fill the feeders.
Two children scattering birdseed in a snowy backyard.
My grandkids spreading a mix of white millet and cracked corn.
A Pileated Woodpecker with a bright red crest foraging on a tree trunk.
A Pileated Woodpecker foraging — a crowd favorite.