Bird-A-Thon
Prairie Warbler. Troy Gorodess
Announcing Bird-A-Thon 2026!
A letter from Executive Director Medha Pandey
It’s that time of year! Yes, it’s time to join me in supporting Bedford Audubon’s 2026 Bird-A-Thon, coming up May 15–17. As we exit the doldrums of winter, this is the most fun and friendly way to celebrate the arrival of spring and with it birds, birding, and conservation — while working to protect local birds and the habitats they depend on.
This year, funds raised from our efforts will focus on the Prairie Warbler, a vibrant little songbird whose future depends on the restoration and protection of the shrubland, an increasingly scarce habitat we’re working to expand across our sanctuaries.
Spring is just around the corner, with early migrants already traveling north in search of nesting grounds. Soon, our sanctuaries and your backyard will be filled with these birds’ morning chorus. Our Bird-A-Thon is a great way to get out and see them in their dazzling breeding plumage while raising funds to help protect them.
Bedford Audubon is ready to do our part, and I want you to join us. This year, there are lots of new ways to participate in our Bird-A-Thon, so I am sure we can find the perfect way for you to join us. In the end, it is a weekend of camaraderie, sharing wonderful moments in nature, seeing lots of birds, and raising support for conservation.
Team Connecticut Warblers 2025
Last year’s Bird-A-Thon was a tremendous success. Eight teams raised just over $46,700, identifying 173 species and more than 3,500 individual birds while exploring birding hotspots across the tri-state region. It was an incredible adventure for everyone involved — and this year promises to be even better.
Our 2026 fundraising goal is $50,000, which will support the restoration of 12 acres of vital shrubland habitat at Bedford Audubon’s Hunt-Parker Sanctuary.
Shrublands are among the most rapidly disappearing habitats in the Northeast. Restoring these areas will help create critical breeding habitat for species such as the Prairie Warbler, American Woodcock, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and other declining birds that depend on dense, brushy cover.
Participating in Bird-A-Thon is easy. You can make a donation to support the effort or take part in the action yourself. You can donate online or by check.
To participate, all you do is decide if you want to join an existing team, start your own team, or participate as an individual. Then choose a 24-hour window during the May 15–17 weekend to get outside and identify as many bird species as you can. Your participation will support Bedford Audubon’s conservation work while celebrating the excitement of spring migration.
Participants collect pledges from friends, family, and sponsors who support their birding adventure. Donations can be made as a flat contribution or as a pledge per species identified — from 25¢ per bird to several dollars or more! The more birds you find, the more support you raise for conservation.
You don’t have to be an expert birder to take part. Some people spend the day exploring with friends, others travel across the region searching for every species possible, and some participants join in from their porches, counting birds that visit their backyard feeders. The goal is simple: have fun while helping birds.
Our Bird-A-Thon is a wonderful way to celebrate migration, connect with fellow bird lovers, and support Bedford Audubon’s work protecting birds and their habitats.
Team Harpy Eagles and Team Fledglings 2025
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks — including information about teams and categories. In the meantime, I invite you to join us for our launch party:
Come meet and mingle with fellow bird enthusiasts, learn what the Bird-A-Thon is all about, and get ready for the adventure ahead. We hope you’ll be part of the fun!
With thanks,
Medha Pandey