Share Your Love of Birds

Launched in 2025, Indiana Audubon’s Bird Guide Ambassador program cultivates a network of skilled, welcoming guides who lead experiences that spark curiosity, deepen knowledge, and foster connection with the natural world. From helping someone identify birds by sight or sound to sharing in the excitement of a lifer, Bird Guide Ambassadors bring Indiana Audubon’s mission of education, conservation, and research to communities through bird-focused programs statewide.

Those we train follow shared principles of ethical and inclusive birding. The goal is to offer learning opportunities that respect birds and habitats and make everyone feel welcome in the birding community.

Bird Guide Ambassadors lead a wide range of experiences, including:

• Indiana Audubon field trips and community bird walks
• School and library programs
• Indiana Dunes Birding Festival activities
• Custom/private outings for groups or families
• Other events hosted by Indiana Audubon or local partners

Why Become a Bird Guide Ambassador

Serving as a guide is more than just time in the field. Bird Guide Ambassadors learn how to share birds in ways that are engaging and educational, helping others discover the same wonder that drew them to birding in the first place.

Bird Guide Ambassadors also:

• Grow their guiding skills through advanced training.
• Connect with a statewide network of guides and mentors.
• Receive Indiana Audubon gear and recognition.
• Help more people discover birding and conservation across Indiana.

Requirements & Expectations

Serving as a Bird Guide Ambassador carries both responsibility and reward. The role centers on shared standards that ensure programs are safe, ethical, and welcoming to all. New ambassadors begin with foundational workshops that develop guiding and communication skills, with additional in-person and online sessions available for continued growth. All Bird Guide Ambassador workshops and training opportunities are provided by Indiana Audubon free of charge.

Ambassadors are expected to model ethical birding, create settings where everyone feels respected and encouraged to learn, and lead with professionalism while representing Indiana Audubon.

To participate in the Bird Guide Ambassador program, applicants must: 

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Submit the Bird Guide Ambassador interest form 
• Agree to the Bird Guide Ambassador Agreement and Expectations 
• Attend one in-person 101-level guiding workshop 
• Lead one Indiana Audubon–hosted or qualifying public bird walk 
• Submit a brief written reflection after leading the outing 
• Follow the Bird Guide Ambassador Agreement and Expectations while representing Indiana Audubon 

The Bird Guide Ambassador program is built around two levels of training.

101: Foundational Workshop
A required in-person workshop that introduces guiding skills, group leadership, and ethical birding practices. Attending a 101 training and completing a guided walk earns a Bird Guide Ambassador hat.

201: Continuing Education Sessions
Continue with virtual sessions offered throughout the year on topics like eBird, guiding tools, and creating welcoming bird walks. Complete three 201 sessions, with written reflection, to be recognized as a Certified Bird Guide Ambassador.

How to Participate

To get started, complete the Bird Guide Ambassador interest form, attend an in-person Leading Bird Walks workshop, and sign the agreement. New workshops are offered regularly, for birders interested in developing their skills and sharing their passion for birds with others. Leading Bird Walks workshops are offered exclusively to those who have filled out the Bird Ambassador interest form. Fill out the form below to be notified of workshops in your area. Current Indiana Audubon field trip leaders may join the program through a short refresher process.