NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
The 2023 I BIRD NY Challenge is back and better than ever! Birders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to see or hear and record any 10 bird species of their choosing, with opportunities for both youth and adult participants to win great birding prizes. New this year, the challenge will run from March 1 – November 1, observation logs may be submitted via an online form, and all participants will receive a commemorative challenge patch!
After successfully completing this fun challenge, you will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes!
Revamped and easier to participate in than ever before, the challenge is open from March 1 through November 1, open to participants of all ages and abilities, and available in Spanish. This year, participants may also earn a bonus entry into the prize giveaway by submitting a photo documenting their experience completing the I BIRD NY Challenge.
To participate in the I BIRD NY Challenge, complete a Challenge Log online (leaves DEC website) or download the I BIRD NY Challenge form (PDF), also available in Spanish (PDF).
Entries can be submitted online, mailed to I BIRD NY Challenge, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1020, or emailed to birdingchallenge@dec.ny.gov. Entries must be received by November 17.
Need a place to start? Check out our list of bird species fact sheets as a field guide to help complete your Challenge Log!
I BIRD NY: Beginner's Guide to Birding- download this beginner's booklet (PDF) for great information and fun activities.
I BIRD NY: Una Guía de Observación de Aves Para Principiantes - download the beginner's booklet (PDF) in Spanish
READ MORE: Check out Birdability which
promotes birding for everyone
Bird Conservation Area
Sites
The New York State Bird Conservation Area Program (BCA)
was established in the late 90s to safeguard and enhance bird populations and
their habitats on state lands and water. An area can be designated as a BCA if
it is judged an important enough site for one or more species. In general, a
site is nominated because of its importance to large numbers of waterfowl,
pelagic seabirds, shorebirds, wading birds, or migratory birds. A site may also
have high species diversity, importance to species at risk, or importance as a
bird research site. DEC has a listing of designated BCAs where you can visit
free of charge.
READ MORE: Great spots you can watch birds in the Hudson
Valley
Other articles by HVP News Reporters