Introducing the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon
May 3-4, 2026
What is the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon?
A Bird-a-Thon is a birding event during which birders try to see or hear as many bird species as possible during a set period of time, in this case, a 24-hour period within two days in May.
The goal of the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon is to encourage blind and partially sighted birders of any age, experience, or location to head outdoors, tune in, and celebrate the sounds and songs that make birding such a powerful practice of connection.
Birders can identify species by sound or whatever sight is available to them, solo, in a group, or as part of a team, from any location in the world.
When and where?
Dates: Sunday and Monday, May 3–4, 2026
Timing: 12:01 a.m. to midnight local time either day
Participants may choose one of the two days that best fits their schedule and transportation options, and bird for at least two hours - all at once or spread throughout the day. You can bird in your neighborhood, backyard, local park, favorite trail, or anywhere you find birds.
These dates coincide with spring migration and peak bird song in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere, a perfect moment to listen for your avian neighbors and build birding community.
Who can participate?
Anyone who is blind or has low vision is warmly invited to take part. Birders may participate individually, in groups, or as a team, and may choose to bird with or without sighted volunteers.
All are welcome, from experienced birders to beginners just discovering their first birdsong.
How it works:
Participants count any bird they hear or see during their 24-hour period, which will be reported to your country’s species compiler. You may use tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app or recording devices to assist in identification.
If you bird with a sighted partner, birds they identify can be counted if you also hear or see them yourself.
All participants must follow the Birding Code of Ethics (adapted below from Massachusetts Audubon Society), which prioritizes the welfare of birds and respect for people, property, and place.
Blind Birder Community Conversations
In anticipation of our 2026 bird-a-thon, we are hosting a series of opportunities for learning and community-building each month. All sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET. Recordings will be available for all registrants. You don’t have to attend any of the sessions to participate, but you are welcome to attend as many as you would like.
November 18, 2025 – Mnemonics and Birding by Ear with Jerry Berrier
December 9, 2025 – Merlin Identification with Alli Smith from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
January 20, 2026 – Using Equipment & Apps to Record Bird Sounds with Jerry Berrier
February 3, 2026 – Bird Behaviors with John Kricher
March 10, 2026 – Migration with Scott Widensaul
April 14, 2026 – Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Info Session
These sessions are open, informal, and designed to support both new and experienced participants. You’ll learn birding-by-ear skills, explore technology for recording and identifying sounds, and connect with a growing community of blind and low-vision birders. You can register for sessions at this link.
Prizes and celebration
All registered participants in the U.S. will be entered into a drawing for donated items. Other participating countries may hold their own drawings, and a list of other countries participating and their contact information will be made available as the event approaches.
After the event, we’ll gather virtually for a post-event celebration to share stories, celebrate results, and reflect on what we learned.
Check back soon for an updated list of prize donors and celebration details!
Registration and updates
Sign up today to receive updates, recordings, and instructions on how to register and submit your list when the time comes.
For questions, contact Martha Steele at marthajs@verizon.net
Resources for sighted volunteers and bird clubs:
For sighted folks or birding clubs interested in supporting the Bird-a-Thon, please check out these resources:
Brookline, MA created a video called How to Guide a Person With Vision Loss which is a good explainer of how to offer assistance and then guide someone desiring your assistance. Produced by the Town’s Commission on Disability, along with Brookline Age-Friendly Cities TV and Brookline Interactive Group, the video is simple and offers repetition in the demonstrations to make learning and remembering easy.
In addition, you can find more birding-specific information in this guide called Birding Field Trips for All that was created by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, in collaboration with Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Adapted Birding Code of Ethics (abridged)
Put birds first. Avoid disturbance, respect habitat, and never use playback recordings to attract birds.
Respect people and places. Follow laws and obtain permission when needed.
Keep bird feeders and nest structures safe.
Be a community birder. Share knowledge generously and practice inclusion in every space you bird.