Birdathon FAQ
What is the 2023 Migration Madness Birdathon?
It’s a weekend of local birding scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 2023. The Birdathon is a fun and friendly competition to see as many species of birds as possible over that weekend.
You can find the Birdathon rules here.
The event is also a fundraiser to support bird conservation in Connecticut. Individuals will collect pledges, then look for birds over the event’s two days.
All skill levels are welcome. Whether you find 10 birds or 110 birds, you’re invited!
You can look for birds anywhere in Connecticut. Many of Connecticut Audubon’s centers will be offering guided bird walks throughout the weekend. Expert guides will help you find lots of birds to add to your Birdathon lists.
Do I have to participate both days of the Birdathon?
No! You can participate wherever and however you want. We know some people will want to bird all weekend, but others will want to participate for a day or for a few hours. It’s up to you. We just want you to get outside and enjoy the birds!
Are there prizes?
Yes! Prizes are listed here.
Grand Prize: If you see 40 or more species over the weekend and raise or contribute $40 or more, you’ll be entered in a raffle for this year’s grand prize — a beautiful carving of a Rock Ptarmigan by artist Keith Mueller. Your $10 entry fee will be counted toward the $40.
How do I submit my bird list?
We’re using eBird again this year.
By clicking this link on your computer (not on a mobile device), you can either create an eBird account or log in if you already have an account.
Then simply accept the invitation for our “Migration Madness Trip.”
Once you accept the trip invitation, all reports you submit from May 20 and 21 will automatically be added to our Migration Madness tally.
You can use a computer or the eBird app on your phone to submit checklists. But to get started, you must click the link above on a compute
Your list must be submitted by midnight, Monday, May 22. Birds not on this official checklist must be confirmed by a judge by photo or recording.
How do I submit photos for the photo contest?
If you’re participating in our photo contest, you can submit photos to migrationmadness@ctaudubon.org with your name. We will send them, anonymously, to this year’s Photo Contest judge.
Which projects will my pledge support?
When you participate and make a Birdathon pledge, your contribution will help support:
- Conservation work at our sanctuaries, including those at our centers in Fairfield, Pomfret, Hampton, and Sherman, at Milford Point, and at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme.
- Conservation education, including our award-winning Science in Nature outdoor education program.
- Citizen science projects including Osprey Nation, which since 2014 has tracked the nesting success of the state’s Ospreys.
- The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, a partnership to protect vulnerable Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, and other species.
- Shrubland habitat restoration that provides nesting areas for species whose populations have fallen dramatically because of habitat loss, including Blue-winged Warblers, Indigo Buntings, Eastern Towhees, and others at:
- Smith Richardson Preserve in Westport
- Bafflin Preserve in Pomfret
- Chaney Preserve in Montville
- Monitoring at the Coastal Center at Milford Point, to ensure the protection of birds at this busy coastal area.
- Connecticut Audubon’s involvement in the Connecticut Bird Atlas, the biggest and most important bird research project ever in Connecticut.
Thanks for your generosity!
2023 Migration Madness Birdathon Sponsors
