Our mission is to promote the knowledge, development, protection, and conservation of bird life and other naturally occurring species and their habitats … and have fun while we are doing it.
The Howard County Bird Club has been this county’s leading birding organization for more than 50 years. We endeavor to share our admiration and knowledge not just about birds but also about butterflies, plants and other interrelated living things in the environment by presenting year-round field trips and varied programs, participating in multiple citizen science projects, offering educational opportunities for all skill levels, and planning and funding habitat improvement projects. Our activities are open to the public, and we warmly welcome anyone interested in seeing and learning more about our birds and improving and preserving their environment.
Announcements
Howard County students K-12 can win a backpack with birding supplies!
Submit an essay between March 1-28th telling us: Why do you enjoy birding? The winner will be awarded a Maryland Ornithological Society backpack, binoculars, a field guide, and a 1-yr. HCBC membership. Download the PRE-REGISTRATION REMINDER so you are notified when the contest begins.
Maryland DNR Provides Guidance Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, is found sporadically in the state’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl, raptors, and black vultures.
Early indicators suggest the coming months could be active for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds again this year. (Click link above to read the remainder of the information.) Maryland Department of Natural Resources December 22, 2025, press release.
Robinson Nature Center (RNC)
HCBC is one of RNC’s partners and holds its monthly meetings and potluck in the auditorium of RNC without charge. HCBC participates in a number of RNC’s annual events and provides leaders for some of their activities.
RNC is a unique LEED Platinum-certified nature education facility situated on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. The center offers educational programs, field trips, birthday parties, home school, scout programs, and more, nearly all of which have a fee. Annual passes and memberships are available at the center.
Howard County Conservancy (HCC)
The Mount Pleasant Farmstead features 232 acres and five miles of trails for free and open dawn to dusk daily. The Gudelsky Environmental Education Center at Mt. Pleasant is Howard County’s first nature center, opening in 2005. The Conservancy, originally founded in 1990 as a private, nonprofit land trust, today has a dual mission of preserving land in Howard County and providing educational programs.
HCBC and HCC over the years have co-sponsored a number of events, including talks by noted nature authors, joint field trips, and birding classes. Watch their YouTube video.