Date: 3/31/25 1:40 pm From: Kendrick, Sarah W <000004af59d1ebdc-dmarc-request...> Subject: NO SIGHTING: Inaugural Missouri Birding Challenge - Register tomorrow!
Hey MO Birders!
Wanted to post a note on the ole MOBIRDS listserv to invite everyone to participate in the INAUGURAL Missouri Birding Challenge to be held May 1-15! Registration opens tomorrow (open Apr 1-30). Participants simply register for a Challenge category of their choosing, bird on their own between May 1-15, and submit eBird checklists shared with the proper eBird account. Check out the event's webpage for registration information, rules, Challenge categories, prizes, and more: https://mdc.mo.gov/missouri-birding-challenge.
A few points about the Challenge:
* The Challenge was created to recruit new birders, so multiple Challenge categories allow for very new birders to dip their toes into the activity (two youth categories by age group, and Backyard Birder, Dabbler, and Competitive Coot categories). Prizes are not solely given to those who see the most birds. We have planned it so all participants get an equal chance at prizes through a random drawing in each category.
* There is a small fee to participate ($10 for youth categories, $25/person for all other categories). These funds will go into a Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation account to support bird conservation through the Motus Wildlife Tracking efforts, which is used to track our migratory birds within and beyond Missouri to inform conservation efforts.
* We do have a competitive category (Competitive Coot), so even seasoned birders can have some fun in the Challenge or bird a new location in the state.
* Since this event is mostly geared toward new birders, PLEASE spread the word far and wide to everyone! Those new to birding, seasoned birders - individuals, households, school groups, or others! Consider taking a friend out birding to experience it for the first time.
* On May 1, we will still "Bird for Brad" in memory of Brad Jacobs' passing 5 years ago. Brad was a past MDC State Ornithologist, a birding mentor to many in Missouri and beyond, a great friend, and a humble, helpful birder. There is no better way to honor Brad's memory than getting outdoors during migration and enjoying the day and seeing some birds. Simply bird anytime on May 1 and share your eBird checklist with birdforbrad. You can definitely count any checklists submitted on May 1 for the Missouri Birding Challenge too, if you are registered for the event. All Missouri Birding Challenge checklists will be submitted on eBird, so an extra share is all it takes - all instructions and eBird how-to docs are on the Challenge website.
Please register for the Missouri Birding Challenge (open April 1-30) and help us make this event a success! Huge thanks for the event partners Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation; and to Challenge prize sponsors Missouri Birding Society and Columbia Audubon Society!
Happy birding,
Sarah Kendrick
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia, MO
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