National Wildlife Refuge Week eBird Challenge!

OK bird nerds, now that everyone knows how to look like a cool birder (if you don’t, follow these 12 steps), there is a new challenge that involves prizes. Interested? Read on.

National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19, is just around the corner. There is at least ONE refuge in every state (check out this link to find one near you). Why not make a visit during National Wildlife Refuge Week? Here’s where the fun starts. When you visit a refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week, make a list of all species and number of individuals observed, and submit it to eBird. Wait, there’s a catch. Ah, there’s always a catch! Take a photo of yourself, looking cool of course, in front of the refuge sign and post it along with a link to your COMPLETE eBird checklist to the Facebook Page for the National Wildlife Refuge Week EBIRD Challenge. The ABA, Princeton University Press, and David Sibley are donating prizes and if you flash a Duck Stamp in your photo, you get entered twice!

Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware. I'll be visiting this refuge and probably Bombay Hook NWR during National Wildlife Refuge Week. Photo by Tim Schreckengost.

Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware. I’ll be visiting this refuge  during National Wildlife Refuge Week. Photo by Tim Schreckengost.

To get started, make an eBird account and figure out which refuge(s) you are going to visit during National Wildlife Refuge Week, and prepare to get your bird on. Remember, BIRD HARD or GO HOME.

Where will you be eBirding during National Wildlife Refuge Week? Think you can submit at least one eBird checklist per day? Let us know in the comments! Remember to share your photos and checklists on the National Wildlife Refuge Week eBird Challenge Facebook Page for a chance to win!