Location

The fifth bi-annual Young Birders' Conference takes place in Minot, North Dakota in June of 2008. This conference will give you the opportunity to spend time connecting with other young birders from across the continent, while at the same time birding and learning from some of the finest leaders anywhere.

Sweeping prairies vistas, rugged badlands, forests of Ponderosa Pines, aspen and oak, and marshes – North Dakota has the habitat to support quite a species diversity! The fifth Young Birders' Conference will find us exploring the various refuges, forests, reservoirs, prairie surrounding the Minot area. As we traverse these diverse ecosystems, we may be treated to breeding Piping Plover, Lazuli Bunting, grouse, and a plethora of sparrows including Savannah, LeConte's, Bairds, and longspurs too. Multitudes of waterbirds, gulls, rails, and terns populate the prairie wetlands along with Upland Sandpiper, Sprague's Pipit, and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow; while American Redstart, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Veery, and vireos can be found in the mature woodlands.

Our fantastic field trips will be punctuated by some terrific educational workshops taught by our knowledgeable leaders. In addition, we will have special guest speakers including scientists working in the field and rangers at the refuges we will be visiting.

This event is generously sponsored by Leica Sport Optics and WINGS Birding Tours.

Accommodations

Our home base for the event will be Comfort Inn,1515 22nd Avenue SW, Minot, ND 58701. The ABA will make all of the lodging arrangements and assign your room. Accommodations will be double or triple occupancy rooms.

The Comfort Inn amenities include a guest laundry, hair dryer and coffee maker in rooms, indoor pool, hot tub, games room, and a microwave for guest use in the lobby. There is also a lap top computer that can be rented at the front desk and free high speed internet access.

Meals

The following meals will be provided: Dinner June 17; breakfast, lunch and dinner June 18-21; and breakfast and lunch on June 22. As we will be heading out for field trips very early in the mornings, some breakfasts will be boxed. We will also have box lunches in the field. Dinners will be catered at the hotel or at area restaurants. Vegetarian options will be available for all meals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WEATHER

Course participants should be prepared for warmer temperatures (average is in the upper 70s), low to moderate humidity, and precipitation. Mornings can be quite cool and the sun can be intense, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and/or UV-blocking clothing. We may be walking three miles each day. Most of the walking will be done on relatively level surfaces except for in the Turtle Mountains. Elevation for Minot is 1,556 ft. at the city center.

Be aware of your physical limitations, and if you have health problems please consult with your personal physician before registering.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Space is limited! You must be between 14 – 18 years of age to register. Registration will open on 1 February 2008 and you will be registered in order of receipt of mailed registration form and payment, based on postmarked date or online stamp. Deadline for receipt of registration forms, assuming space is still available, is 1 June 2008. Mail the completed registration form with payment to:

American Birding Association
2008 Young Birders' Conference
4945 N 30th Street, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3151

Make check or money order payable in U.S. dollars to: American Birding Association

Upon receipt of your completed registration, a confirmation packet will be sent that includes more detailed information about the 2008 Young Birders' Conference.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations must be made in WRITING. Full refund less a $50 administration fee will be made for cancellations received prior to 15 May 2008. After that date, refunds will be made less administration fee plus any non-refundable amounts for which the ABA is already obligated. All payments will be fully refunded if the ABA must cancel the event.

Sponsors

A special thanks to our sponsors, Leica Sports Optics and WINGS Birding Tours. Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible.