How long is the workshop?

The session runs about 1.5 hours and meets at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center (44450 Elm Island Rd).

What is the cost and how do I register?

Cost is $10 plus fees; registration is required through the provided referral link.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes—beginners are welcome; the session focuses on ear‑training and basic field techniques.

Are children allowed?

Participants must be 10 or older and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What if weather is poor?

Workshops may be adjusted for weather; check your booking confirmation or contact the center for updates.

Is the site accessible?

Yes, the center and some trails are wheelchair accessible and accommodations are available on request.

Listen Like a Pro: Birding-by-Ear Workshop at Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon NE | Workshop | Wildlife

At the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska, the Birding by Ear Workshop offers a focused, 90-minute primer on identifying birds through song and call. Set along the braided channels of the Platte River and bordering riparian cottonwoods and wet meadows, this hands-on session puts a premium on listening skills that reveal birds hidden in dense cover or low light. Instructor Jason "the Birdnerd" St. Sauver blends field experience with classroom clarity. A former U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist and longtime Audubon educator, Jason leads participants through common vocalizations—from the staccato chip of sparrows to the ringing territorial song of warblers and the rolling calls of sandhill cranes that frequent this corridor. He teaches simple mnemonic devices, ear-training exercises, and practical techniques for locating a singer and confirming visual ID. Beginners will leave with a new toolkit; intermediate birders sharpen their confidence in the field. Practical details are tidy and visitor-friendly. The workshop meets at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center (44450 Elm Island Rd) and runs about 1.5 hours; arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the welcome desk. Cost is $10 plus fees with registration required; children under 10 are not permitted and all minors must be accompanied by a guardian. The location is wheelchair accessible and the center can accommodate additional requests if notified during registration. What makes this workshop special is place as much as pedagogy. Rowe Sanctuary sits on a critical migration corridor where shallow, sand‑bottomed channels and riparian galleries concentrate birds and spotlight acoustic clues. During migration season the area fills with sandhill cranes and songbird bursts; on quieter days your ear becomes the primary instrument, revealing vireos, tanagers, kinglets, and marsh birds otherwise easy to miss. This session suits visitors who want hands-on learning without committing to a full-day field course. Bring binoculars, a small field notebook, and a phone or app for song playback if you use one; practice listening in noisy conditions and you’ll be able to return to the Platte’s edge and pick out species by voice alone. Rowe Sanctuary’s educational mission and riverine landscape make it a standout destination for birders in Nebraska. Whether you’re chasing cranes or aiming to decipher the dawn chorus, this workshop gives you the vocabulary to hear the landscape differently and deepen your connection to the Platte River’s seasonal rhythms. Jason "the Birdnerd" was the 2018 winner of Audubon’s Chotzen Educator of the Year award; his approachable teaching style suits all ages and experience levels. The center also offers interpretive exhibits and short accessible trails so families can extend their visit into a self-guided exploration of Platte River ecology after the workshop. Reservations fill quickly during peak migration season.

About Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary

Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska, is a conservation and education site operated by Audubon dedicated to protecting the Platte River ecosystem and its migrating Sandhill Cranes. The center manages habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and public programs that connect visitors with river, wetland, and prairie species.

Rowe Sanctuary hosts seasonal Crane Season events, offering guided crane viewing from accessible indoor and outdoor vantage points where thousands of Sandhill Cranes funnel along the Platte River at sunset. Programs include art workshops, accessible nature journaling, and special cultural events that blend storytelling, conservation, and hands-on learning.

Rowe Sanctuary partners with artists, researchers, and community leaders to present experiences such as the MONA Art Workshop: Dances of the Cranes with Susan Hart; Birdability Indoor Crane Viewing Experience; Birdability & Rowe: Accessible Nature Journaling Workshop; and Braided in Unison, a public event featuring author Amy Tan and conservation experts. Each offering emphasizes habitat preservation, visitor accessibility, and interpretive education about migratory birds and river dynamics.

Facilities at the center are designed to welcome diverse audiences, with accessible viewing areas and inclusive programming led by trained staff and volunteers. Education programs serve families, students, and conservation supporters, while fundraising events support ongoing land stewardship. Visitors can expect expert interpretation, panoramic river views, and opportunities to support the protection of the Platte River’s braided ecosystem.

The visitor center includes interpretive exhibits, educational displays, staff-led programs highlighting local ecology and research initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and ways for visitors to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Listen Like a Pro: Birding-by-Ear Workshop at Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon NE

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