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I Bird NY Challenge 2026



Win prizes and have a blast

I Bird NY Challenge 2026


The annual I BIRD NY Challenge is back! Use your observation skills and take the Challenge by identifying any 10 bird species of your choosing in New York State. Participants who successfully complete this fun challenge will be awarded a commemorative patch, completion certificate, and be entered into a drawing for great birding prizes!* 

The challenge is open from March 1 through November 1, open to participants of all ages and abilities, and available in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Dari, Pashto, French, and Urdu. Participants may also earn a bonus entry into the prize giveaway by submitting a photo documenting their experience completing the I BIRD NY Challenge. 

Want to make the Challenge more difficult? You could identify all 10 birds at a New York State Birding Trail location, or identify 10 species of warblers, waterfowl, etc.  

To participate in the I BIRD NY Challenge, complete a Challenge Log online or download the I BIRD NY Challenge form (PDF), also available in Spanish/Español (PDF), Arabic (PDF), Bengali (PDF), Chinese (PDF), French (PDF), and Urdu (PDF). 

Entries can be submitted online, Spanish online form, emailed to BirdingChallenge@dec.ny.gov, or mailed to: 

I BIRD NY Challenge
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1020  

Entries must be received by November 18, 2026. 

READ MORE: Simple tips to attract hummingbirds to your yard

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. 

It’s also available in Spanish! I BIRD NY: Una Guía de Observación de Aves Para Principiantes - download the beginner's booklet in Spanish (PDF) 

Challenge Rules:

  • Challenge open to all ages.
  • One entry per individual.
  • Challenge open March 1 through November 1.
  • All entries must be received by November 18, 2026.

For your participation, you'll receive a competition certificate, a commemorative patch, and be entered to win great birding prizes including birding accessories such as spotting scopes and binoculars. 

As always, participants are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace™ principles and by recreating safely and sustainably.




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