Bird-A-Thon
Bird-A-Thon 2025 is here!
We are proud to announce the launch of our Second Annual Bird-A-Thon. Last year’s event was a tremendous success. Four teams raised $31,000.00 and identified 167 species while traveling all over the tri-state area. It was an incredible adventure for all, and this year will be even better!
Participating in this year’s Bird-A-Thon is easy. Read the FAQ below to find out more, then fill out the registration form at the bottom of the page to register your interest. Questions? email Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org
What is Bird-A-Thon?
During a Bird-A-Thon weekend, teams compete head-to-head by identifying the greatest number of bird species in a 24 hour period and by fundraising. Team members fundraise by reaching out to friends and family members and asking them to show their support by either donating to Bedford Audubon in their team’s name, or by pledging an amount of money per bird species seen or heard.
When will Bird-A-Thon 2025 take place?
Bird-A-Thon 2025 begins Friday, May 2nd at 12:01am and ends Sunday, May 4th at 3pm. Participants must select a 24 hour period during the weekend during which they will be identifying and logging birds.
Team Velociraptors, Bird-A-Thon 2024
How do I start/join a team?
You can register with a group of friends as a team, or you can ask to be placed on an existing team (which is a great way to meet other birders!) To start the process, email Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org.
Can I participate in Bird-A-Thon as an individual?
Yes! If you don’t want to join a team, you can participate as an individual in the “big sit” category (see details below), or you can contribute by supporting one (or more) of the participating teams, or by making a general donation to our Bird-A-Thon fundraiser.
How will the donations be used?
This year’s fundraising goal is $35,000, which will be used to fund habitat management on our 575 acres of sanctuaries and to pay for university-aged field staff. This seasonal staff works tirelessly during the summer months, learning how to monitor nesting species while providing Bedford Audubon with the data needed to improve nesting habitat.
Do I need to be an expert birder to participate?
Not at all! Birders of all skill levels, even beginners, can participate in Bird-A-Thon. If you are a less experienced birder, you can ask to be included on a team with an expert birder and enjoy the benefits of his or her guidance. Or you can select the “big sit” category, in which a beginner can participate unassisted from his or her own backyard. There are many ways for you to join in, have fun, and make a difference.
Can my school-aged daughter/son form a team?
Yes! We offer two age categories for teams:
Youth (under 18) Team – A team including young birders. A minimum of one parent or guardian is required for a team.
Adult Team– A team consisting of mostly birders over the age of 18.
All teams should have a minimum of at least three birders.
What are the participation categories?
Obsessed Birders – Teams in this category can travel everywhere and anywhere in the NY/NJ/CT tri-state region.
The Moderate Traveler – Teams can travel anywhere within Westchester and Putnam counties.
Big Sit – This is a team OR individual category in which participants ID as many birds as they can from a 17-ft diameter circle located anywhere in the state, your backyard, the feeders of your favorite Nature Center, or anywhere you chose.
How do I keep track of the birds I identify?
eBird makes it easy to keep track of all of the birds you identify. You can use eBird to log all of the birds you ID, then share your lists with us (our eBird username: BAS-BAT). For detailed instructions on how to use eBird, you can take this free course: eBird Essentials
How do I sign up for Bird-A-Thon 2025?
Use the form below to register your interest and be added to our Bird-A-Thon 2025 participant list! You can use this form to ask questions as well.
American Kestrel. Troy Gorodess
Register Here
Full details and guidelines will be given to each registered participant. Have questions? Email Susan: info@bedfordaudubon.org