Bird-A-Thon
Bird-A-Thon 2026 is here!
We are proud to announce the launch of our third Annual Bird-A-Thon. Last year’s event was a tremendous success. Eight teams raised just over $46,700.00 and identified 173 species while traveling all over the tri state area. It was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we’re excited to make this year even bigger and better with new categories and awards!
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 Anya: ayoung@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 2026 take place?
Bird-A-Thon 2026 begins Friday, May 15th at 12:01am and ends Sunday, May 17th at 3pm. Participants must select a 24-hour period during the weekend during which they will be identifying and logging birds.
Team Connecticut Warblers, Bird-A-Thon 2025
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 Anya: ayoung@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?
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.
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 two parents and/or guardians 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.
Extended / International – Everywhere and anywhere on Earth
Carbon Free – Teams travel with limited transportation, either by bike or foot
Conservation Species Focused – Teams seek out priority or rare species and help to raise awareness of conservation needs.
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.
Will there be awards?
Absolutely! Your hard work and achievements won’t go unnoticed. Join us at the potluck celebration after the Bird-A-Thon on Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 pm, where we’ll present awards and recognitions in categories such as most species found, highest funds raised, rarest species spotted, and best photographs.
How do I sign up for Bird-A-Thon 2026?
Use the form below to register your interest and be added to our Bird-A-Thon 2026 participant list! You can use this form to ask questions as well.
Ready to register your team or as an individual for Bird-A-Thon 2026?
Wonderful! Click the button below to register your team and email Anya to confirm your team’s name and list the members of your team: ayoung@bedfordaudubon.org. If you will be participating as an individual (and not as part of a team), you can use the same link to register yourself.
Click here to Register a team and join the fun!
Prairie Warbler. John Hannan
request more info
Downloadable Document Links:
Multi-line Pledge Collection Form
Donation Collection Flyer with QR Code
Have questions? Email Anya: ayoung@bedfordaudubon.org