Date: 9/8/26 2:19 pm From: Peter Burke <peterburke...> Subject: [cobirds] Results of the 2026 Colorado Birding Challenge are in!
Hi everyone, This has been a tremendous COBC with 27 teams battling it out in 21 counties! I want to thank everyone who participated in the COBC this year, and especially all of you who supported them with your donations! We raised over $27,000, a 35% increase over last year!
As I'm sure you're aware, a CFO member donated $10,000 this year in the form of a challenge grant that matched all donations we received up to the $10K limit, which we did in fact reach. This was a first for the COBC and brought added excitement to the event.
*TEAM RESULTS*
The winner in the Big Sit category, new for 2026, is *Davis' Deckhands*, captained by Davis who lives in Larimer County just west of Lyons. He found 25 birds in his yard this year, with the best being Pinyon Jay!
The winner in the Green category is *The Superb Liarbirds*, captained by Riley Morris. They birded in Adams County, par 91, and, if they're to be believed, managed to find 52 species without the use of motorized vehicles! You can pick up your $75 gift cards at either *Front Range Birding* location in Boulder or Littleton. (If you can't make it to a store, call them to arrange mailing.)
The Under-25 category was won by *The Sapsuckers*, captained by Andrew Leidenberger, who birded El Paso County, par 104, and found 118 species! Great result! You can pick up your $75 gift cards at either *Front Range Birding* location in Boulder or Littleton. (If you can't make it to a store, call them to arrange mailing.)
And the official winner of The Challenge Category for 2026 is....cue the drumroll...*The Dolores Dippers*! Captained by trash talkin' Nathan Pieplow along with Luke Pheneger, Brian Genge and Pablo Quezada identified a whopping 121 species in Dolores County. An amazing total, and can you believe that they dipped on American Dipper?! You will each receive a prize package from *Swarovski Optik*!
Congratulations to ALL the participants. I've really enjoyed reading the many accounts of your Big Days on COBirds!
I'd also like to extend gratitude to our sponsors: *Swarovski Optik* and *Front Range Birding*!
Finally, a huge thank you to the CFO members who made the $10,000 challenge grant this year!
*Next year's COBC will take place on Saturday, Sept. 4. Mark your calendars now and start thinking about which counties you might bird. Good news, you'll be able to reactivate your teams in Pledgeit with one click, making registration even easier. Once you have your team, it's simple to make changes depending on which county you are *birding* in and who is on your team.*
Best,
Peter Burke CFO Board of Directors
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