What is the Nebraska Birding Bowl?
- A month long birding competition for all skill levels and all ages to explore and learn about birds.
- There is a competition category for everyone from beginning birders to backyard birders to competitive listers.
- No matter where you are in the state you can compete.
- Gather teammates or go solo, register, explore the birds all around you.
- Anyone who participates has a chance to win prizes, like binoculars and a $1,000 cash prize!
When: May 1 – 31, 2023
This fun competition is part of the Nebraska Bird Month celebration.
How to Participate
1. Read the Nebraska Birding Bowl rules and choose a category that fits your interest.
- Fledgling Flock
- Backyard Birder
- Dabbling Birder
- Competitive Birder
2. Decide if you will compete on a team by yourself or with others. You can only participate on one team, and at least one adult (18 years or older) must be on a team. Only the Fledgling Flocks and Backyard Birders can have more than five individuals on a team. See the rules for more details.
3. Setup an account on eBird, if you do not have an account already. See the eBird section below for links to tutorials.
4. Register for this FREE competition. All adult members of a team must register.
5. Submit checklists through eBird anytime between May 1 – 31, 2023.
6. Share your Birding Bowl adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram! #NEBirdingBowl
7. See the final results!
Results and awarded teams will be announced via email and posted on the website and social media.
Birding Bowl Categories
There is a category for everyone to participate in this birding competition! All categories take place during the entire month of May. See the rules for more category information and requirements.
| Category | Minimum species to observe in May | Other requirements | Scoring and prizes2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fledgling Flock | 10 | Youth group (K-12 grades) must submit 1 eBird checklist and youth drawings or descriptions of the birds observed. | Entered into a drawing for a group birding kit. |
| Backyard Birder | 10 | Submit a minimum of 5 eBird checklists from your home. Register and attend one bird month program1. | Entered into a drawing for a complete bird feeding setup. |
| Dabbling Birder | 20 | Submit a minimum of 5 eBird checklists with at least one location listed on the Nebraska Birding Guide map. Register and attend one bird month program1. | Entered into drawing for a pair of Vortex Diamondback binoculars. |
| Competitive Birder | 50 | Submit eBird checklist from three or more different locations listed on the Nebraska Birding Guide map. | Teams that observe over 150 species by the end of May are entered into a drawing for the $1,000 prize. Teams that observe 100-150 species by the end of May are entered into a drawing for the $500 prize. Teams that observe 50-99 species by the end of May are entered into a drawing for bird field guides. |
eBird Tutorials
You will need an eBird account to participate in the Nebraska Birding Bowl.
Watch this eBird tutorial webinar or follow the step-by-step pdf guide linked below to learn how to use eBird for the Birding Bowl .
The guide covers:
- Creating an eBird account.
- Submitting eBird checklists via the mobile app or the website.
- Sharing checklists with teammates and the Birding Bowl account.
- Creating summary Trip Reports.
- Adding your Yard Location.
For more birding tools, tips, and resources visit Birding Basics.
T-shirts
Online donations of $25 or more to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund from April through May of 2023, will receive a limited edition Nebraska Birding Bowl t-shirt while supplies last. Please contact us before donating to make sure we have your size in stock.
Please note: donations are processed at the beginning of each month. We will mail shirts as quickly as we can. We appreciate your patience.
Donations support research and monitoring of at-risk species, conservation of important bird habitats, and projects that enhance wildlife-viewing opportunities like the Watchable Wildlife Grants and this new Nebraska Birding Bowl event.
For Nebraska Birding Bowl questions contact us.
This event is sponsored by:
