{"id":29271,"date":"2026-04-01T10:04:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/?p=29271"},"modified":"2026-04-01T10:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:04:40","slug":"our-biggest-neighborhood-watch-yet-what-to-expect-at-the-cebf-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/2026\/04\/our-biggest-neighborhood-watch-yet-what-to-expect-at-the-cebf-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Biggest \u201cNeighborhood Watch\u201d Yet: What to Expect at the CEBF 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Did you know that the simple act of noticing a bird in your backyard could be key to saving a species? From the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to the sun-drenched mangroves of Bonaire, our <\/span><\/i>187 endemic bird species<\/i><\/b> are a shared heritage found nowhere else on Earth\u2014and it\u2019s up to us to protect them. As we prepare for the 2026 Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), we are calling on everyone\u2014tell your parents, your friends, even your Nan\u2014to turn their eyes to the skies, the trees, and the ground (we can\u2019t forget our beloved doves!). This year we are celebrating, counting, and conserving our birds together.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

CEBF begins on April 22nd (Earth Day) and runs through May 22nd (International Biodiversity Day). This annual regional festival raises awareness of the amazing birds that live only in the Caribbean\u2014their natural history, the threats to their survival, and how we can act to protect them and ensure that they thrive for generations to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme \u201c<\/span>Every Bird Counts \u2013 Your Observations Matter<\/span><\/i>\u201d<\/span> shines the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don\u2019t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. When we say “Every Bird Counts,”<\/span> we mean it. Whether it is a tiny, iridescent Antillean Crested Hummingbird darting through your garden or the elusive Imperial Amazon (Sisserou) high up in the canopy in the rainforest, every single sighting <\/span>you record<\/span><\/i> provides a vital data point. These observations help us build a regional map showing us exactly where our endemic species are thriving and where they might be in trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Group <\/a>
Dominica’s Imperial Seekers seeking out the magnificent Imperial Amazon for Global Big Day 2024. (Photo by Garry Auguiste) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"The <\/a>
The Sisserou is endangered and endemic to Dominica. (Photo by Paul Reillo) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

This community-collected data is the backbone of informed conservation action because we cannot protect what we do not know.<\/b> By involving everyone, from curious school children to seasoned experts, we create a massive, islands-wide “neighborhood watch” for our birds. By involving the whole community, we move people beyond casual observation and into the role of proud environmental stewards. Cool, right?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your contributions help scientists\u00a0 identify which habitats need urgent protection and provide real-time results through platforms like <\/span>eBird.<\/span><\/a> This allows us to see population trends as they happen, giving us the power to respond faster to environmental changes and ensure our endemic birds are around for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

A little more on citizen science\u2026<\/b><\/h3>\n

While professional biologists work tirelessly to study and protect our birds, they cannot be everywhere at once. That is where <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> come in. Citizen science is a powerful collaboration where everyday people all around the world collect data, by watching and recording birds mostly on phones via eBird checklists\u2014this data helps scientists solve real-world problems. In the Caribbean, many of our endemic birds live on just a single island, making them incredibly vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, illegal trapping\/killing, and climate change. To protect them, we first need to know exactly where they are and how their populations are changing. Your observations tell scientists if a species is declining or expanding its range and provide the “hard data” needed to advocate for the protection of critical forests, wetlands, and even green spaces within cities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"zoomed<\/a>
Entering data into eBird. (Photo by Holly Garrod)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To our fabulous island coordinators, this year is an invitation to mentor a new generation of citizen scientists, sharing your deep knowledge and passion to help the movement grow. To our new participants\u2014welcome! This is your invitation to join your community in protecting and promoting your incredible natural heritage. If you’re new to citizen science you’ll want to read this beginner’s guide<\/a>. There is an immense sense of pride in knowing that your backyard is part of a global treasure, and by participating, you are ensuring it stays that way. You don\u2019t need expensive gear to make a difference; you just need a pair of binoculars or a keen eye. If you don\u2019t own a pair of binoculars yet, don’t let that stop you! Your local coordinators and environmental organizations will have binoculars available for use at their CEBF events. They will teach you how to use the binoculars to get a crystal-clear look at our endemic icons, identify them, and make sure they count toward your checklist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A lot more on community connection\u2026<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are looking for more than birdwatching and checklists, you have come to the right place. Our enthusiastic island coordinators and educators infuse the festival with a vibrant mix of in-person and online events that turn learning about birds into an unforgettable experience. It\u2019s about reconnecting with nature, discovering hidden talents, strengthening our collective power to improve our communities, and taking pride in the vibrant biodiversity that defines our islands.<\/span> It\u2019s about exploring together, pulling up those boots and venturing into mangroves, dry forests, and wetlands that we often pass by every day without realizing the biodiversity they hold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Hey! Are you taking a photo of us? Adults and children birdwatch by the pond at Hope Gardens, Jamaica.(Photo by Stuart Reeves)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most importantly, it\u2019s about belonging. By joining an event, you become part of a massive movement dedicated to ensuring that bird conservation becomes a seamless part of our daily lives. We want every Caribbean citizen to stand ready and knowledgeable, equipped with the facts, to speak up for our birds and the places they call home. Whether it\u2019s advocating for the protection of a local wetland from unsustainable development, discouraging the illegal trapping and persecution of our endemic birds or simply sharing why a healthy forest matters for both birds and people, your voice is a powerful tool. When joined with a chorus of like-minded nature lovers, that voice becomes an unstoppable force for the Caribbean\u2019s wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what<\/b> else<\/i><\/b> can you expect at a CEBF event?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

These events are usually held where life happens: on school grounds, in lush Botanical Gardens in cities, or at visitor centers bringing together students and teachers, local community groups, religious organizations, and service clubs like Rotary. Last year, the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua even hosted a special birding tour for the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force! Everyone is encouraged to come as they are: to think, to question, to challenge, and to exchange stories through:<\/span><\/p>\n

Guided Birding Walks:<\/b> Explore local hotspots with knowledgeable guides who help you spot birds and master your binoculars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Group <\/a>
Shanna and students birdwatching at the Princess Margaret School. (Photo by Sherrel Charles) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Group <\/a>
Birds are everywhere, even at your university campus \u2014 and certainly at the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras campus. (Photo by Alondra Norat) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Creative Workshops:<\/b> From bird-themed “Sip & Paint” sessions to photography classes and youth art contests.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A <\/a>
Mask painting and bird identification station at the TTBO bird festival. (Photo by TTBO) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Young <\/a>
Young artists at work on bird-themed bags at Les Fruits de Mer’s Migratory Bird Festival in St. Martin. (photo by Mark Yokoyama). <\/div> <\/div>
\"Photo <\/a>
Children display their completed Bee Hummingbird habitat with flowers for the bird to feed on and a water source. (Photo by TTBO) <\/div> <\/div>
\"A <\/a>
A young girl decorating her pouch using bird stencils during the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Habitat Restoration:<\/b> Roll up your sleeves for mangrove plantings and beach clean-ups to give our birds a cleaner, safer home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Volunteers <\/a>
Volunteers receive instructions before the start of the clean-up. (photo by Conservation Opportunity) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Photo <\/a>
A volunteer ensures no trash is left behind. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Photo <\/a>
Approximately 150 pounds of trash were collected. (photo by Conservation Opportunity) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Photo <\/a>
River in Charco Dos Bocas Ciales after spectacular cleanup effort by volunteers. (photo by Conservation Opportunity) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Games & Interactive Science: <\/b>Get hands-on with fun experiments and games that reveal how different beaks work, to discovering all the amazing ways birds survive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Youth <\/a>
Youth learning how birds eat and build their nests through sensory play. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Jamaican <\/a>
We did it! Students display the results of their BirdSleuth Caribbean Scavenger Hunt in Salt River, Jamaica. (photo by Emma Lewis) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

“Birdscaping” Your Backyard: <\/b>Learn which native plants turn your garden into the neighborhood hotspot where all the birds want to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Students from St. Martin Primary School in Dominica planted native plants for CEBF 2018.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Virtual Festivals: <\/b>Can\u2019t make it in person? Join webinars and social media posts that connect bird lovers across the entire Caribbean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are seven reasons why you <\/span>CANNOT<\/span><\/i> miss the CEBF 2026!<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

Good for our islands, great for your legacy.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your support for the CEBF keeps nature education accessible to all, providing the tools and workshops needed to protect our shared natural heritage. From “birdscaping” backyards to youth art contests, every dollar helps us provide these resources at no cost to our communities. Join us in making a lasting impact\u2014donate securely <\/span>HERE<\/span><\/a>* and help every bird count. <\/span>*<\/span>Under \u2018Designate your gift\u2019 please select Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Meet the \u201cwatch\u201d captains<\/b><\/h3>\n

Here are a few members of our powerhouse alliance of local NGOs and educators across the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jamaica:<\/b> BirdLife Jamaica, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), Caribbean Coastal Area Management\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cuba:<\/b> Empresa Flora y Fauna Matanzas, Grupo Ecologia de Aves, Empresa Flora y Fauna Santiago de Cuba, Museo de Historia Natural “Tomas Romay Chac\u00f3n”, BIOECO, Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, Museo de Historia Natural Joaquin Fernandez de la Vara Pi Gibara<\/span><\/p>\n

Dominican Republic<\/b>: SOH Conservacion, Grupo Jaragua<\/span><\/p>\n

Puerto Rico:<\/b> Estuario de la Bahia de San Juan, Con Ciencia Ciudadana PR Inc\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Antigua & Barbuda:<\/b> Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) Antigua, BarbudanGO<\/span><\/p>\n

St Eustatius:<\/b> St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n

Dominica:<\/b> WildDominique<\/span><\/p>\n

Trinidad & Tobago:<\/b> Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research and Research Centre, ECONETICS<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t see your island listed? Use our <\/span><\/i>CEBF Coordinators Directory<\/i><\/b><\/a> to connect with local conservation organizations and find out what\u2019s going on near you!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you would like to coordinate your own CEBF event (and we really would love that!), please get in touch via email: <\/span>cebf@birdscaribbean.org<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Aliya.Hosein@birdscaribbean.org<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Lisa.Sorenson@birdscaribbean.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Got a serious case of FOMOOTCEBF (fear of missing out on the CEBF)? Sign up for our mailing list <\/span>HERE<\/b><\/a> to ensure that you get the latest CEBF event news, and find out first about the fantastic celebrations happening on your island.<\/span><\/p>\n