03-03-2025
Get Ready for Takeoff: 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge Now Open
NEW YORK (WWTI) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge, open to birders of all ages and skills, began on March 1, according to DEC. The challenge allows participants to identify and learn about birds, and program winners receive a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding-related gifts.
'No matter where you live or where you come from, birdwatching is a fun, easy, and affordable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds,' DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. 'Now with nearly 400 locations across New York State, the NYS Birding Trail welcomes new and experienced birders to enjoy both migrating and resident birds in a diverse variety of habitats.'
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DEC says the many habitat types found in New York State, ranging from the Atlantic Ocean's sandy beaches to the Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, make it a birder's delight, supporting over 450 distinct bird species year-round.
The NYS Birding Trail allows both new and seasoned birders to discover the thrill of birding. This unique network of birding hotspots around New York State provides countless opportunities to connect with nature, whether it is watching owls in calm woodlands, monitoring shorebirds along gorgeous coastlines, or getting views of majestic eagles along quiet rivers. The trail is constantly expanding, with new destinations being added on a regular basis through a nomination and verification procedure.
DEC also revealed 14 new spots for the NYS Birding Trail. The new locations are Rye Nature Center in the Hudson Valley Birding Trail Region and 13 Nassau County Parks, Recreation, and Museums properties in Long Island Birding Trail Region.
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Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreation hobbies in the United States. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife viewers earned $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is an increase from four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion per year in 2016.
The I BIRD NY program was started in 2017 to expand the State's efforts to increase access to New York's enormous natural resources while also promoting free and low-cost opportunities to experience the great outdoors and connect with nature.
'North Shore Audubon Society enthusiastically welcomes the Nassau County addition of its excellent public preserves and parks to NY State Birding Trail,' said Peggy Maslow, North Shore Audubon Society.
The 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge is available to all ages and closes on November 1, 2025. To complete the Challenge, individuals must identify any ten bird species of their choice and return a challenge form to DEC. In 2024, more than 1,800 birdwatchers completed this challenge, making it the program's highest-ever participation rate.
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Challenge sheets can be submitted online using Survey Monkey, or by email or mail. Entries must be received by November 15, 2025. The entry forms are also accessible in Spanish. All participants will receive a commemorative patch, a completion certificate and an entry into a drawing for birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry if they submit a photo reflecting their challenge experience.
Birdwatchers can get this year's challenge sheet at I BIRD NY, where they can also discover information on where and how to view birds, upcoming birding activities, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and other resources. Those interested may also sign up for DEC's monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, which delivers birding tips and tactics, NYS Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more directly to their inbox.
DEC also informs the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is still prevalent in wild birds and mammals. The public can assist reduce illness risk and spread by avoiding interaction between household animals and wild birds. The public is encouraged to report sick or dead wildlife here.
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When field personnel are unavailable to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape and removal is required, utilize appropriate personal safety equipment, such as disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. To avoid direct contact with the carcass or fluids, use a shovel to transfer it to a tripled garbage or contractor bag and deposit it in an outdoor trash receptacle. DEC's Animal Diseases webpage contains additional information regarding HPAI, such as how it spreads and which animals can become affected.
As always, participants are invited to Love Our New York Lands throughout the year by following Leave No Trace TM principles and recreating safely and sustainably.
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