The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities started March 1. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife. Finishers are awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate and the opportunity to win birding-related prizes.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York State\u2019s globally significant habitat supports a wide range of bird species,\u201d\u00a0said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. \u201cWhether 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. More than 1,600 birders completed this challenge in 2025.<\/p>\n
Challenge sheets can be submitted online via\u00a0Survey Monkey<\/a>, sent via email or mailed. Entries must be received by Nov. 18. Entry forms will be available in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French and Urdu. <\/p>\n New York State offers opportunities to watch birds across wide-ranging habitats. From the Atlantic Ocean\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017\u00a0to build on the state\u2019s efforts to increase access to New York\u2019s natural resources and promote no and low-cost opportunities to enjoy the 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. While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without them.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Those interested in taking the challenge can visit the \u201cI BIRD NY<\/a>\u201d webpage to access this year\u2019s challenge sheet and find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable\u00a0Beginner\u2019s Guide to Birding<\/a>\u00a0(PDF) (also available in Spanish<\/a>) and additional resources. <\/p>\n \u201cWe love introducing people to the joy of birds and building\u00a0inclusive 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,\u201d\u00a0said Ruth Goldman, president, Birds on the Niagara and Feminist Bird Club Buffalo leader.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0report sick or deceased wildlife<\/a>\u00a0to DEC. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n More information about HPAI, including how it is spread and which animals can be infected, is available on DEC\u2019s\u00a0\u201cAnimal Diseases\u201d webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n