October eBirder of the Month Challenge

This month, we’re celebrating October Big Day with a special eBirder of the Month Challenge sponsored by ZEISS! The challenge: submit five (5) or more eligible checklists on 12 October for a chance to be the eBirder of the Month and win a pair of ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars!

How to Participate:

On 12 October, we’re challenging you to get outside, explore different habitats, and record the birds you encounter. Whether you’re exploring a local park, your backyard, or a favorite hotspot, every checklist counts. Here’s how to qualify:

1. Submit 5 or more checklists to eBird on 12 October, 2024.
2. Each checklist must represent observations made on October Big Day, 2024.
3. It doesn’t matter where you are—every eligible eBird checklist submitted on October 12 counts towards the results.

Why Participate?

October Big Day is one of the largest birding events of the year, and your participation contributes to a snapshot of global bird populations. Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned expert, your checklists provide valuable data for conservation and research. By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. And of course, one of the participants who submits 5 or more checklists on 12 October will also receive a ZEISS Conquest HDX Binocular!

Tips for Success:

• Invite friends: Birding is more fun with a flock! Team up with fellow birders to share sightings and submit checklists.
• Make your observations more valuable: submit complete checklists, keep counts of the birds that you see, and keep multiple checklists throughout the day.
• Take eBird Essentials: Take the free eBird Essentials course for an introduction to eBird or learn how to make your checklists more valuable for science and conservation.
• Use eBird Mobile Explore: Plan your route by locating nearby places to go birding and recently reported species.
• Explore Birds of the World: Discover new things about your favorite species —FREE ACCESS starting 8am ET Friday, October 11th through 9am ET Monday, October 14th.
• Download the free Merlin Bird ID app: to help you to identify the birds you see and hear on October Big Day. Upload your recordings to your eBird checklists to help Merlin identify more birds by sound.

Mark Your Calendars

October Big Day and the eBirder of the Month Challenge take place on 12 October. Prepare your binoculars, charge your phone, and get ready for a day of adventure, bird discovery, and participatory science. Every bird counts, and so do you!

Join birders from every corner of the world and take part in this exciting challenge. Who knows? You might just be our next eBirder of the Month!

October’s winner will receive a new ZEISS Conquest HDX Binocular and will be notified by the 10th of the following month.

ZEISS Conquest HDX Binoculars, Photo by ZEISS

Each month we will feature a new eBird challenge and set of selection criteria. And don’t forget to submit lists for the 2024 Checklist-a-day Challenge!