Winter Birding Challenge

Welcome to the 2026 Winter Birding Challenge brought to you by Buffalo Audubon and Outside Chronicles and sponsored by Vortex Optics.  Winter is a special season in Western New York, and one of the best times of the year to go bird watching. Iconic birds like Snowy Owls, Bald Eagles, and Tundra Swans grab everyone’s attention. Flocks of ducks numbering in the tens of thousands make their winter home between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Different species of Gulls fly up and down the Niagara River every day in search of food

The Winter Birding Challenge provides participants with 40+ challenges to complete. These tasks range in difficulty; some will be completed in a day, and some will take all winter. In order to complete the Winter Birding Challenge, each participant will need to earn 200 points by completing these challenges. Don’t worry, there are more than 400 points available. Each challenge must be completed in Western New York and the Niagara Region of Ontario. Participants will receive a PDF packet that will provide them with all the information they need to complete these challenges.

A portion of the proceeds from the Winter Birding Challenge goes to Buffalo Audubon to enhance its education offerings and facilities.

Registration is $20 for members of Buffalo Audubon and $25 for non-members.

Register

Challenge Rules

    1. Earn two hundred points (200) by completing challenges in our app between December 12, 2025 and March 21, 2026, inclusive.
    2. Complete challenges by following the challenge instructions.
    3. (Optional) Post your picture to Buffalo-Niagara Birding Group on Facebook.  Be sure to tag @outsidechronicles and @buffaloaudubonsociety.

Our app will keep track of your progress. As you complete challenges, your points will increase. Reach 200 points to earn a finisher patch and sticker.

But don’t stop there! You can earn additional in-app badges. Some of the badges will earn you additional stickers! Check out the My Badges section of the app for details.

You can see the Top 20 Leaderboard, check your points, follow a photo feed of submissions, and chat with other birders; all within the app.

Register

New for 2026 - Expert Mode

Many of these challenges can be completed during the same birdwatching outing. Challenge yourself by only submitting a checklist once for a challenge instead of using it to complete multiple challenges. Participants who complete the challenge on Expert Mode will earn 25 Bonus Points!

Remember Your
2026 Winter Birding Challenge Merch

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For Independent Health, please use your Health Extras card like a credit card at checkout.

For Highmark WNY, you will need to use your personal credit/debit card and submit a Wellness Card Reimbursement Claim Form.

Each person who participates in the 2026 Winter Birding Challenge tasks will be entered to win a Vortex Optics prize package (Valued at $300) that features a pair of Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42. Every 25 points above 200 will give you an additional entry into the drawing for the top prize! Everyone who earns 200 points will receive a 2026 Winter Birding Challenge patch.

No purchase necessary to enter, please see contest rules for more information.

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