New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced today 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), 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 Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely and sustainably.