The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) invite both new and experienced birders to join the first ever Missouri Birding Challenge May 1-15.

Missouri Birding Challenge participants will compete alone or on a team in different birding categories based on their ages, birding experience, and comfort levels. Birders will use eBird (eBird.org) to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards. Once participants complete a category, they will be entered into a drawing for fun, bird-related prizes such as binoculars and gift cards. There is a fee of $10-$25 per person or team depending on the category. Fees go toward migratory bird conservation efforts.

Learn more about the Challenge and related topics at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/birdwatching/missouri-birding-challenge. Full Challenge rules and details will be released in coming weeks. Registration will be open April 1-30 through the webpage.

Get Prepared Through Birding Webinars

MDC and partners invite new and experienced birders to prepare for the Missouri Birding Challenge in May by joining the Missouri Birding Challenge Webinar Series on various birding topics. The webinars will introduce participants to birding and educate them on key issues around birds and bird conservation in Missouri.

Register in advance for each webinar and then join the webinar live. Registered attendees will receive a reminder email before the webinar.