Welcome to the Baltimore Bird Club
The Baltimore Bird Club welcomes anyone who has an interest in birds, whether a novice or experienced ornithologist, and whether you enjoy watching birds at your feeder or traveling throughout the State. Our members learn from one another and are willing to share their knowledge. Membership in the Chapter includes membership in the Maryland Ornithological Society. You will find membership in the Baltimore Bird Club of the Maryland Ornithological Society to be a rewarding and enlightening experience.
Our Story
The Baltimore Bird Club (BBC) is a Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) serving birders in Baltimore City and Baltimore County since 1945. In fact, the founding of the Baltimore Bird Club was also the start of the entire statewide MOS organization.
After eight decades, the BBC remains a vital and active club dedicated to bird watching, bird science, and bird conservation. Our core values and activities embrace diverse participation and our dedicated corps of volunteers continues to replenish itself.
Two of our signature programs are Lights Out Baltimore, which advocates for ways to provide safety for migrating birds, and a partnership with Baltimore City library branches that brings free bird walks to small neighborhood parks throughout the City.
The Baltimore Bird Club is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, with no paid staff. The club is governed by an annually elected set of officers and directors, and activities are organized through committees and their chairs.
Click here for a list of officers, directors, and committee chairs
Membership in the Baltimore Bird Club automatically includes membership in the Maryland Ornithological Society. You will find participation in the Baltimore Bird Club to be a rewarding and enlightening experience, a place where you can make lifelong friends.
Click here to download a copy of our Constitution and Bylaws.
Our Expertise
CONSERVATION
• Habitat Protection: We work to preserve and improve bird habitats in parks, urban areas, and natural spaces around Baltimore. Sometimes this includes organizing clean-ups, invasive species removal, or advocating for bird-friendly city policies.
• Citizen Science: The BBC participates in surveys like the Christmas Bird Count, Breeding Bird Atlas, and other bird monitoring programs. These activities provide important data for conservation research.
• Education and Outreach: We hold bird walks, lectures, workshops, and publish newsletters to teach people about birds, conservation, and the environment.
• Lights Out Baltimore: One of our conservation projects, Lights Out Baltimore, aims to reduce bird collisions with buildings by advocating for lights to be turned off at night during migration seasons.
• Support for Young Birders: We also promote programs for young birders to get them involved in bird conservation early.
BIRDING/BEGINNER BIRDING
The Baltimore Bird Club’s New Birders Program is designed to welcome beginners into birdwatching. It offers easy, guided bird walks, beginner-friendly workshops, and resources like bird ID tips and equipment advice. The focus is on making birding fun, social, and accessible, with experienced members mentoring newcomers. It’s a great way for people of all ages to learn about birds, conservation, and enjoy nature around Baltimore.