Winter Bird Challenge
Cedar Waxwing. Photo by Jesse Gordon/Audubon Photography Awards.
2026 Winter Bird Challenge
Don’t miss this fun month-long event that gets you birding in the heart of winter.
Registration Opens November 14
Dec. 28 Winter Bird Challenge 2026 Orientation
Louisa and Will will host an orientation for participants and anyone considering participating on Dec. 28 from 7:00 -8:00 pm. The details of the challenge will be explained including the process of keeping your list on eBird.
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.
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.
General - 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. 10, Kathryn Albertson Park, 9-12
Jan. 17, Canyon Hill Cemetery, 9-12
Jan. 24, Wood River Valley, all day
Jan. 31, Ted Trueblood and CJ Strike, 7-5
Social Zooms
Gather on Zoom with fellow participants to share stories, ask questions, and get inspired.
January 14, 7-8 pm
January 28, 7-8 pm
Registration
Registration is open to everyone of all ages.
Golden Eagle Audubon Society 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 2026 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, 2026 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.
2025 Participant Testimonials
2025 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 enjoy the WBC as a way of refreshing my birding skills in a more focused way once a year. While the weather can be unpredictable, that is part of the fun, and open trees also make it easier to see several species that are otherwise very good at hiding! The camaraderie with other birders makes it fun and has more eyes and ears for the task at hand in a short enough window to stay focused.”
—Jeff B.
“A most excellent experience!”
—Cindy P.
“Over the course of the month, I added over 27 lifers to my list and saw a total of 164 species. I also managed to photograph 150 different bird species in Idaho. This experience introduced me to many wonderful people in the birding community, and I’ve signed up for numerous field trips. Now, I have a great group of birding friends!”
—Sean P.
“I am glad you hosted the contest because I learned so much about birds.”
—Pat M.
“Thank you for organizing the Winter Bird Challenge! It is a great way to get out and be in nature. This is the second time I’ve signed up for the challenge and each time I’ve learned something new about birds. Thanks again!”
—Valerie H.
“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.
““What a great month!”
—Wayne S.
“The challenge has been a wonderful gateway into the world of birding. This was my third year competing in the challenge. My first time around, I saw so many birds that it helped me develop a passion for birding, which in turn piqued my curiosity about habitat, learning migration patterns, and how we can make this world better for them and our community. In addition, it sparked in me a desire to travel and see other species, different habitats, and a lifelong passion for birding. Louisa and Will this year brought my eBird skills to a greater level.”
—Shannan B.
“Many thanks for organizing this event. A lot of fun. It was nice to have the social hour.”
—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.