Nebraska Birding Bowl welcomes all experience levels

Registration is open for the Nebraska Birding Bowl, a friendly competition to observe as many bird species as possible while supporting wildlife conservation. All birders are welcome.

The fourth annual Birding Bowl will take place May 1-31 to help celebrate Nebraska Bird Month.

This free, statewide competition will be a great opportunity to try out this fun hobby, improve skills, and share your love of birding with others.

“Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started, this friendly competition is a great way to explore Nebraska’s incredible bird diversity,” said Watchable Wildlife Biologist Meghan Thompson, organizer of the event.

Participants of all experience levels are invited. Birders can compete as individuals or teams, registering online in April or May. They may participate in one of the following categories:

• Fledgling Flock — for youth groups and families to introduce birding to youth.
• Backyard Birder — for households that enjoy watching birds from their home.
• Dabbling Birder — for beginner-to-casual birders.
• Competitive Birder — for those who like to observe the most bird species.

Birders will use eBird, a community science platform, to track observations while contributing data for bird conservation.

Teams have a chance to win prizes, such as Vortex binoculars and a $1,000 cash prize.

Thompson is hoping to increase participation in this year’s Birding Bowl after more than 450 adults and 60 youth participated in the 2025 event. “You don’t need to be an expert birder to participate,” she said. “Many teams include beginners, families, and youth who simply enjoy getting outdoors and discovering birds together.”

The Nebraska Birding Bowl is organized by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with additional support from sponsors, including Wild Bird Habitat Store, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Kowa Optics, and Vortex Optics.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Birding Bowl” to register and learn more.