2026 Winter Bird Challenge
This year, thirty-three participants participated in the Winter Bird Challenge across five categories: Unlimited (13), Beginner Unlimited (7), Backyard (2), Weekend (10), and Photography (2). A few ambitious birders even signed up for multiple categories, boosting their chances to win prizes and adding to the friendly competition.
The challenge was coordinated by Will Miller and Louisa Evers, who expertly led field trips and worked behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly throughout the competition.
Will Miller and Louisa Evers
Wood River Valley Day Trip
Winners
Category: Advanced Unlimited
Most species - Linda Wentz
125+ species - James Jarrett
75+ species - Cindy Peters, Debbie Wiggins, Helen Fisher, Jordan Bates, Mark Seyfried, Norman Eshoo, Paige McFeeley, Shannan Brimmer
Category: Beginner Unlimited
Most species - Katy Magree
50+ species - Christy Babcock, Lauren Bauer
25+ species - Sarah Hanson, Susan Park
Category: Photography
Most species - Christopher Well
Category: Backyard
Most species - Virginia White
12+ species - Lorraine Poor
Category: Weekend Warrior
Most species - Christopher Well
75+ species - Alec Andrus, Cherylyn Murphy, Claire Veseth, Deena Kolb, Jim James
50+ species - Jo Anne Lafferty, Patti Guicheteau, Stephanie Low
Golden-crowned Sparrow by Linda Wentz
Northern Harrier by Cindy Peters
Horned Lark by Norm Eshoo
Above: Eurasian Wigeon by Ben Gundy, Bushtit by James Jarrett, Lesser Goldfinch by Patti Guicheteau, Say’s Phoebe by Jim James
Below: White-crowned Sparrow by James Jarrett, Rednapped Sapsucker by Christopher Well, Common Goldeye by Christopher Well, House Finch by Virginia White
Wood River Valley
Above: Great Blue Heron and American Herring Gull by Christopher Well
Unlimited
Backyard Birder
Weekend Warrior (10 days total)
Photography
Beginner Unlimited
Winter Bird Challenge Trip Reports
Contact Will at willmiller92@hotmail.com to have your trip report added!
How the Contest Works
All birds seen, heard, or photographed in Idaho during January 2026 count toward your total. For those participating in the Backyard Challenge, only birds observed or heard at your selected site—whether it’s your own yard or another designated public location—will count.
The Weekend Warrior category includes birds seen on ten total days during January, offering a flexible way to participate for those with busy schedules.
All participants are asked to create an eBird Trip Report for the Winter Bird Challenge. To qualify for certificates and prize drawings, all checklists must be submitted by February 1, 2026.
To wrap up the challenge, we’ll gather for an after-party on February 5th. Certificates will be handed out, and all participants will be entered into a drawing for $50 gift cards. It’s a fun opportunity to celebrate a month of winter birding together!