The AMB program is composed of 3 parts:

• Classroom lectures
• Field work (including trips and testing)
• AMB notebook (consisting of homework and other assignments)

Students attend approximately 25 classroom lectures, usually held on Monday nights 1-3 times per month. The lectures are presented by leading Colorado birders with expertise in various ornithology topics.  The classes typically last 2.5 to 3 hours.

Students also participate in field trips to enhance what they’ve learned in class and to introduce them to top birding spots along the Front Range, mountains, and other areas in Colorado. Field trips are usually all-day outings on Saturdays close to the Denver area, though some trips venture further afield.  Six “field tests” are also conducted throughout the year at different locations.

The schedule for the 2025-2026 program provides additional information on classroom lectures, field trips, and field tests. 

Each student maintains an AMB notebook during the program year. The AMB notebook is used as a study guide, to document program requirements, and to verify program completion.

Tuition for the 2025-2026 program is $995. Tuition is for the full year-long program and includes all lectures and field trips. The material is taught by Colorado birding experts. The program features guided field trips covering top birding locations in Colorado and explores diverse habitats along the front range and beyond. Additional expenses can be expected for books not provided by the course and field trip travel costs (mileage costs that go to the driver). A limited tuition assistance program based on financial need or hardship is in development. Please note, once the class begins, the tuition is non-refundable. 

Each student is assigned a mentor for the length of the class to ensure they are making progress and are on track for meeting grduation requirements. Mentors are Master Birders (previous program graduates). 

The AMB program’s class size is limited to around 12 students to ensure each student has the opportunity for personal attention and development. Ideal Master Birder candidates are intermediate to advanced level birders who have the desire and enthusiasm to share their knowledge with others and who are willing to volunteer with Audubon for 2 years following the end of the program.

Field Ornithology is a skill honed over a lifetime. The AMB program develops a strong foundation that enables students to continue to improve their skills.

Colorado Birds & Key Habitats

The program curriculum includes the study of Colorado birds through their biology, field marks, migration patterns, behavior, and habitat.

Birding & Community Science

The AMB program also integrates technology with field studies. Students use eBird to report trip sightings, to research sighting history, and to report rare birds. During the program year, students learn how to get involved in community science and use birding as a service for conservation, research, and volunteerism.

The time needed to devote to the program is significant. In addition to attending lectures, field trips, and field tests,  the program requires the completion of homework and readings, maintaining the AMB notebook, and participating in additional program requirements. 

• CLASSES

Classes are usually held on Monday evenings 1-3 times per month in the Audubon Nature Center, or the Audubon Offices near Chatfield State Park. Some classes may be conducted remotely by Zoom or another online platform. The course offers 25 classes. Students must attend 75% of the classes in order to graduate.

• FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are taken throughout the year on Saturdays. Trips take students to birding areas along the Front Range, nearby mountains, and eastern plains. The course offers 23 trips during the program. Students record their observations on eBird and must participate in 75% of the field trips to graduate.

• FIELD IDENTIFICATION

In order to graduate the AMB Program, all students must be able to:

• see, identify, and list 200 bird species in Colorado (can include species seen before joining class)
• identify 100 species by sight
• identify 40 species by sound
• identify 25 key plants
• identify 16 key habitats

Approximately 6 field tests are given by mentors throughout the year to test student’s progress and abilities in meeting these requirements.

• HOMEWORK, RESEARCH & PRESENTATIONS

AMB students are given reading and homework assignments throughout the year. Most assignments take about 3 to 4 hours.

Students must also complete profiles of 3 bird species, prepare a short research paper and presentation, and complete habitat charts for key bird habitats in Colorado.

• CONSERVATION & FIELD ACTIVITIES

Students must participate in 5 field activities or projects, 2 of which must be completed with Denver Audubon. Some examples of field activities include attending birding field trips and programs offered by Denver Audubon or other local organizations; participating in or observing bird surveys; monitoring a bluebird trail; attending a birding festival or conference; observing at a bird banding station, rehabilitation center, or hawk watch; completing a Cornell Lab of Ornithology webinar series; or tutoring a beginning birder.

Students must also complete one conservation activity designed to expose them to a conservation organization, method of engagement, or bird conservation topic. Examples of conservation activities include writing a letter to a legislator; attending Denver Audubon’s “Getting Green Laws” forums, Conservation Committee meetings, or Conservation in Colorado lecture series; participating in a Lights Out monitoring program; or preparing a report on a conservation issue

• OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Additional requirements of the AMB program are:

• Recording an eBird checklist at least twice monthly for the same location (a backyard, local park, or other area) throughout the duration of the program
• Organizing and leading a birding field trip for Denver Audubon
• Recording the breeding/nesting activities of two species
• Participating in a Christmas bird count and at least one fall or spring bird count
• Completing a rare bird sight form
• Birding three areas that were not visited during class field trips

• VOLUNTEERING

AMB students must volunteer 10 hours for Denver Audubon during the program. Following completion of the program, graduates commit to volunteer 48 hours for each of the next 2 years for Denver Audubon. Some examples of volunteer activities include leading birding field trips and participating in Denver Audubon bird counts; planning and staffing special events and workshops; participating in Denver Audubon committees; assisting with the AMB program and Denver Audubon’s numerous school programs; maintaining native plant gardens at the Audubon Nature Center; conducting conservation research, planning, and outreach; and assisting with fundraising and administrative tasks. AMB graduates may also develop new volunteer activities that match their passions, skills, and expertise.

Step 1 – Request Information

Contact the Audubon Master Birder Program at: info@denveraudubon.org. You will receive updates, important date and event notifications, and the formal application.

Step 2 – Attend Informational Meeting

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the program. Dates will be announced during the next round of applications. 

Step 3 – Submit Application

Applications will be available starting January 27, 2025 and are due April 7, 2025. 

Step 4 – Bird ID Test

For applicants a Bird ID Test is required: 

• Saturday April 12, 2025 at 2PM
• Wednesday April 16, 2025 at 7PM

Step 5 - Interviews

Interviews will be held starting the week of May 3 and continuing through the month of May. 

Applicants will then meet with an admissions committee to discuss interest, commitment, background, motivation, availability and personal goals for the program.

Step 5 – Selection and Notification

AMB Program applicants will be notified by May 28, 2025. The first class is scheduled for July 14, 2025.