Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Bird nerds, nature lovers, and backyard watchers—your time has come! There’s just one week left to register for the first-ever Missouri Birding Challenge. In this statewide competition, birders of all backgrounds and skill levels take flight in celebration of spring migration. Registration closes Tuesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m., so don’t wing it—sign up today!
Hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri River Bird Observatory, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, this two-week bird-spotting bonanza kicks off May 1–15, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the difference between a cardinal and a cowbird, there’s a flock for you.
Pick Your Birding Style:
Participants can register solo or in a team and select from one of five creative categories:
Nestling – New birders (especially youth) paired with a mentor
Fledgling – Beginners who are ready to soar
Backyard Birder – For those scouting feeders and fence posts from home
Dabbler – Intermediate birders exploring trails and fields
Competitive Coot – Veteran birders ready to tally the most species
Each flock has different challenge levels, but all use eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s global birding database, to track sightings. Registration costs range from $10 to $25, depending on your category, but all participants receive a free Missouri Birding Challenge t-shirt with registration.
Why Join?
Besides the thrill of the chase and the chirping of your feathered finds, everyone who completes the challenge gets entered into a prize drawing for awesome birding gear, gift cards, and more. Even better, all proceeds support the Missouri Motus Wildlife Tracking System, which helps scientists monitor migratory bird behavior and enhance conservation efforts statewide.
New to Birding? No Problem!
To help you get ready, MDC is offering free live webinars to teach you the basics—from bird ID tips to how to use eBird like a pro. Whether you’re just getting started or brushing up your skills, these sessions are a perfect warm-up before the challenge begins.
Get Your Flock Together
So grab your binoculars, call up a friend, and register today to be part of this birdwatching celebration. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for families, classrooms, scout groups, or solo adventurers looking for some nature therapy.
Learn more and register here: mdc.mo.gov/birdingchallenge
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