By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
Get ready to flock to some fall fun as a full slate of birding adventures takes flight.
As a certified Bird City Texas community through Texas Parks and Wildlife and Audubon Texas, College Station enthusiastically supports bird conservation and education efforts that connect people to nature.
College Station Parks and Recreation is offering a new series of free birding classes to introduce community members to the joys of bird-watching and encourage deeper bonds with the birds of the Brazos Valley.
Birding is for everyone, and even small steps toward appreciating local wildlife can help preserve the region’s natural beauty. The program welcomes beginners while offering seasoned birders fresh opportunities to explore different park facilities.
Classes will be led by John Mims, a Texas Master Naturalist and owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Kingwood. Mims is known for his approachable, engaging teaching style and thorough knowledge of birds and backyard habitats.
Class Schedule
Hummingbirds
Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 2–3 p.m. | Adamson Lagoon
Learn about hummingbird species in the Brazos Valley, including feeding habits and behavior. The class can be enjoyed from the pool or the deck. Regular pool admission applies to those who wish to swim before or after the program.
Introduction to the Joy of Bird Feeding
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 10–11 a.m. | Lincoln Recreation Center
Discover the basics of feeding native birds, including tips for selecting feeders, seed types, and how to attract a variety of species to your backyard.
Bluebird Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 12–1 p.m. | Gary Halter Nature Center
Bring a sack lunch and learn to create the perfect backyard habitat for bluebirds. Topics include proper housing, feeder placement, and tips to encourage nesting.
The Christmas Bird
Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 10–11 a.m. | Meyer Senior & Community Center
Explore why the northern cardinal is such a popular symbol of the holiday season, and how you can attract the vibrant bird to your yard all winter.
Classes are open to all ages. To reserve a spot, email lbrown@cstx.gov.
More Birding Opportunities
Birding 101
Saturdays, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 & Dec. 6 | 8:30 a.m. start | Gary Halter Nature Center
New and experienced birders can sharpen their skills with the Rio Brazos Audubon Society. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound, use field guides and binoculars, and explore native and migrating species of the Brazos Valley. The class includes hikes through Lick Creek Park trails.
Dress for the outdoors and wear closed-toed shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow at the nature center. A Spanish-language version of the class is also offered Sept. 6 and Dec. 6. Registration isn’t required.
Bird Migration Window Painting Contest
Oct. 1–Nov. 30 | Open to businesses, schools and residents
In support of Lights Out and Bird City Texas conservation efforts, participants are invited to paint Texas fall bird migration–themed designs on windows to reduce bird collisions. Designs should use solid patterns with gaps no larger than two inches to prevent bird strikes.
Photos of painted windows must be submitted by Nov. 30 to parks@cstx.gov. Top designs will be featured on social media for community voting. Winners will be announced Dec. 8. Participants are encouraged to keep artwork up through Thanksgiving to protect migrating birds.
For more information, contact the Gary Halter Nature Center at 979-764-6216 or parks@cstx.gov.
Be an Official Bird Nerd!
Show off your birding spirit with an official “Bird Nerd” t-shirt, available for $17 at the Visit College Station Visitor Center (1207 Texas Ave.), open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Youth sizes are also available.
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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