Winter Bird Challenge
Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Jesse Gordon/Audubon Photography Awards.
2025 Winter Bird Challenge
Don’t miss this fun month-long event that gets you birding in the heart of winter.
Registration opens December 1.
Winter Bird Challenge 2025 Orientation
Louisa and Will are hosting an orientation for participants and those still considering it. The details of the challenge will be explained including the process of keeping your list on eBird. There will be plenty of time for questions too.
Winter Bird Challenge Orientation - December 29, 6-7:00 pm on Zoom. Click here to join.
Event Details
Winter Chickadee. Photo by Ceredig Roberts.
How many species can you find in your neighborhood? How many species can you find on your weekends? How many birds can you photograph? Create the challenge that works for you! All of Idaho is included.
Five Categories
You can enter in one or more non-conflicting categories.
NEW! Beginner - Participants new to birding, who’ve never used eBird or who don’t have the hang of it yet. Participants self-select for this category. Bird where and when you want.
Unlimited - Bird where and when you want.
Photography - one photo per species counts toward your total.
Backyard - participants can use their backyard or a public site, such as a park. That is the only place where their lists will count for the challenge.
Weekend Warrior - any 10 days during the month.
Field Trips
Join us for exclusive WBC field trips led by Will Miller and Louisa Evers. The field trip schedule is:
Jan. 4, Kathryn Albertson Park, 9-12
Jan. 11, Canyon Hill Cemetery, 9-12
Jan. 18, Discovery Park, 9 -1:00
Jan. 25, Ted Trueblood and CJ Strike, all day
Social Zooms
Gather on Zoom with fellow participants to share stories, ask questions, and get inspired.
Jan. 8, 7-8 pm
Jan. 22, 7-8 pm
Registration
Registration is open to everyone of all ages.
Member Prices: 1 category $25, 2 categories $40, 3 categories $55
Non-member Prices: 1 category $35, 2 categories $60, 3 categories $75
Event Contact
For more information, contact Louisa Evers: elouisa603@gmail.com and Will Miller: willmiller92@hotmail.com
How Will the Contest Work?
Certificates of Achievement will be awarded to participants who reach pre-established milestones. For example, in the General Category, 75, 125, and most birds.
There will be a drawing of all participants at the after-party for $50 gift cards.
Birds seen, heard or photographed in January 2025 in Idaho count towards your total.
Birds seen in or from your selected site - your yard or a public location - count for the Backyard Challenge. Only birds seen or heard at that location count.
Weekend Warrior includes birds you see on ten (10) days total during January.
Create an eBird Trip Report for the Winter Bird Challenge and share your link with Louisa.
All checklists must be submitted by February 1st, 2025 to qualify.
Any questionable sightings or unethical behavior reported will be resolved by the contest committee.
By participating in GEAS’ Winter Bird Challenge, you agree to follow ABA’s Principles of Birding Ethics and participate at your own risk. You also agree to respect the decisions of the contest committee in the case of a dispute.
2021 Participant Testimonials
2021 Winter Bird Challenge participants had great things to say about their experiences—read the testimonials below!
Tundra Swan at Blacks Creek. Photo by Ken Miracle
“I wanted to express how enjoyable this month has been for me, specifically the WBC and GEAS classes. I work in healthcare, as a nurse practitioner, and the COVID-19 pandemic is quite emotionally taxing, so finding birding has been a major source of joy for me. I feel the weight lifting off my shoulders when I’m outside identifying new birds and attending birding education classes. Thank you for creating a space that is welcoming to new birders and allows for personal growth and development.”
—Sara S.
“What a great month!”
—Wayne S.
“I really enjoyed this challenge, and I’ve learned so much! The Zoom group was really great to be a part of, people were kind and welcoming. Thank you for leading such a nice group of people.”
—Erika H.
“I am glad you hosted the contest because I learned so much about birds.”
—Pat M.
“The Winter Bird Challenge is a great setup to light a fire under the motivation in a fresh way, with more than the usual camaraderie available as birders bumped into each other, helped each other find new species, and told stories from the past week in the social hours. A simple but inspiring program to help heighten one's awareness of the possibilities and birds all around us.”
—Jeff B.
“I loved it! Please do it again next January!”
—Billie F.
“It was such a fun time and it definitely got me outside more, on the road all day going after fun birds, and what a nice group of people.”
—Danette H.
“I LOVED the zoom socials every Monday, please keep that going for future challenges. Very motivating and informative.”
—SS
“…From the very experienced to novices, it sure sounds like all enjoyed it. It was good for me and I learned a lot…and will continue to add recordings to my checklists.”
—Cheryl H (Winner 2021)
“Many thanks for organizing this event. A lot of fun. It was nice to have the social hour on Mondays.”
—Ceredig R.
“The Winter Bird Challenge really helped me get out birding at a time of year where I typically don't. I paired up with another GEAS member and the light competition has been fun. I'm learning and seeing new birds, enjoying Idaho's outdoors, and gained a nice sense of community. Thanks GEAS!”
—Sierra L.