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DEC Announces 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge
Published: March 02, 2026 at
03:30 p.m.
By: March 02, 2026 at 03:30
p.m.
DEC Announces 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge
Program Encourages New Yorkers to Experience the Joy
of Birding Across the State
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton has
announced that the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and
abilities will start on March 1. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and
visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife, and finishers are
awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate—plus the
opportunity to win birding-related prizes.
“New York State’s
globally significant habitat supports a wide range of bird species,” Commissioner
Lefton said. “Whether you are an expert birder or birding for the first
time, the I BIRD NY program offers opportunities to experience birds and
the diverse habitats they call home.”
New York State
offers exceptional opportunities to experience the joy of birds across
wide-ranging habitats. From the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to the Great
Lakes coastlines, Adirondack and Catskill peaks, and everywhere in between,
the state supports more than 450 different bird species throughout the
year. The I BIRD NY Challenge incentivizes
observing birds in neighborhoods, local parks, or DEC and partner lands
throughout the state.
New and
experienced birders can discover the thrill of birding by taking the I BIRD
NY Challenge, visiting a site along the New York State Birding Trail, and
viewing additional birding resources on DEC’s website.
The I BIRD NY
program was launched in 2017 to build on the State’s efforts to
increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and
low-cost opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature.
Because people can observe birds wherever they live, work, or recreate,
birding is an accessible activity that does not require transportation or
the purchase of specialized equipment. Bird watching can be enjoyed by
people from all economic backgrounds and education levels. While binoculars
can help, many birds can be identified without them.
The 2026 I BIRD
NY Challenge is open to all ages and runs from March 1 to November 1. To
complete the challenge, participants must identify any 10 wild bird species
and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. Over 1,600 birders completed this fun
challenge in 2025.
Challenge sheets
can be submitted online via Survey Monkey or
sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by November 18, 2026.
Entry forms will be available in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French,
and Urdu. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a
completion certificate, and entered into a drawing
for great birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen.
Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo
documenting their challenge experience.
Those interested
in taking the challenge can visit the “I BIRD NY” webpage to access this year’s challenge
sheet and find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming
birding events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (PDF) (also available in Spanish (PDF)), and additional
resources. Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly
birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, for birding tips and tricks,
New York State Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more
delivered right to one’s inbox.
"We love
introducing people to the joy of birds and building inclusive
community around birding in Western New York. The I BIRD NY Challenge
provides a great opportunity for birders of all levels to get outside and
have fun birding," said Ruth Goldman, President, Birds on the
Niagara and Feminist Bird Club Buffalo Leader.
“Birds can be
enjoyed by anyone at any time and anywhere. Birds
bring us joy and help us discover wonder in the world and connect with the
needs of our ecosystems. Happy birding!” said Jenn Lodi-Smith, PhD,
founder and Director of The Spark Bird Project and WNY Young Birder Club
mentor.
"While
certain birds stay hidden in the treetops, many species can be found in
open marshes, along lakes and rivers, and popping up in the tall
wildflowers of grasslands. Different birds are adapted to thrive in
different ecosystems, so the more locations you visit, the larger variety
of birds you can find! Across the 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex,
for instance, you can drive and walk around to spot Bald Eagles, Wood
Ducks, and Trumpeter Swans, no equipment necessary. The I BIRD New York Challenge
offers a great opportunity to explore new places and see new
wildlife," said Chris Lajewski, Montezuma Audubon Center
Director.
DEC also reminds
the public that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is currently
widespread in wild birds and mammals. The public can help minimize risk and
the spread of disease by preventing contact between domestic animals and
wild birds. The public is encouraged to report sick or deceased
wildlife to DEC. In cases where field staff may be unavailable to
collect samples or carcasses from the landscape and removal is necessary,
use proper personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves, a
mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or fluids
by using a shovel to transfer it to a tripled garbage or contractor bag,
which should be placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. More information
about HPAI, including how it is spread and which animals can be infected,
is available on DEC’s “Animal Diseases” webpage.
As always,
participants are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing
Leave No TraceTM principles
and by recreating safely and sustainably.
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