The Headlands Birding Festival invites experienced birders to apply as bird walk leaders for the 2026 festival at Headlands Beach State Park and nearby areas. Walk leaders guide festival participants on birding walks, help identify migratory species, and share their knowledge of local habitats and conservation. If you’re passionate about birding and enjoy leading others in the field, complete the bird walk leader application form below to join our festival team.

Festival walk leaders can earn a $100 stipend for each day they guide. To qualify, you’ll need to lead or co-lead walks for at least four hours that day – for example, two 2-hour walks or one 4-hour walk. If you’d like, you can also choose to donate your stipend back to support the festival. We’ll share more details if you’re selected as a walk leader or co-leader.