{"id":29287,"date":"2026-03-27T15:52:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/?p=29287"},"modified":"2026-03-27T15:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:52:20","slug":"birdscaribbeans-island-bird-off-is-back-for-global-big-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/2026\/03\/birdscaribbeans-island-bird-off-is-back-for-global-big-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"BirdsCaribbean’s Island Bird-Off is Back for Global Big Day 2026!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The biggest birding day of the year returns on Saturday, May 9th, 2026! Global Big Day (GBD) is more than a mass data collection event, it is a global celebration of magnificent birds and the incredible people who protect them, all focused on amplifying our potential to create a lasting, positive impact on our planet. On this day, bird enthusiasts and nature lovers around the world head outdoors to document as many bird species as possible in just 24 hours. These observations help scientists monitor bird populations, track migration patterns, and identify habitats in need of conservation.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What makes GBD truly special is that it\u2019s open to everyone wherever they are. Whether you\u2019re an expert birder chasing a rare endemic deep in the forest or just starting out with backyard birds, there\u2019s a place for <\/span><\/i>you<\/i><\/b> in this global effort to understand and protect birds.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Compete for the Cause: Join Our Team Challenge!<\/b><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re thrilled to bring back our popular <\/span>teams competition<\/span><\/a> for GBD 2026, and we\u2019d love for you to be a part of it! Both national (individual islands) and multinational teams are invited to join in the effort to make a lasting impact on the birds and ecosystems of the Caribbean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re especially eager to see a team representing each Caribbean island, so if you don\u2019t see your island listed <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>, now\u2019s your chance to step up and take the lead (more details below).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

We are calling on<\/span> you<\/b> to unite with local birders to help bring attention to your island\u2019s irreplaceable and incredible diversity of birds as well as the BirdsCaribbean programs that enhance our understanding and drive the action needed to protect these iconic species.<\/span><\/p>\n

By participating, you and your team will play an important role in advancing our understanding of Caribbean birds and their habitats, showing the world just how incredible your island is.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Bare-legged <\/a>
Bare-legged Owl. (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim Castellon) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Two <\/a>
Green-winged Teals in flight, their green wing-patches clearly visible. (Photo by Andrew Reding) <\/div> <\/div>
\"Lesser <\/a>
Lesser Antillean Bullfinch in St Vincent. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Bahama <\/a>
Bahama Woodstar, male. The Bahama Woodstar can only be found on the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas! This near-endemic can be easily spotted in a range of habitats around TCI. (Photo by Keith Salveson) <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hispaniolan <\/a>
Hispaniolan Nightjar. (Photo by Dax Roman) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Red <\/a>
Red Knot in August molting from breeding plumage to plain winter plumage which is all gray. Red Knots have declined markedly in the last 25 years. Some Red Knots winter in the Caribbean; many use the islands as a refueling stop on their long journeys to South America. (photo by Hemant Kishan) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Bridled <\/a>
Bridled Quail-Dove, Guadeloupe. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Beatrice Henricot) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"A <\/a>
A pair of Hudsonian Godwits in Barbados. (Photo by John Webster) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Their <\/a>
Their entire population of Prairie Warblers spends the winter either in the Caribbean or Florida, making this a very important region for the species. During the winter Prairie Warblers like to live in coastal dry forests, mangroves, woodlands, orchards, and coffee farms; they may even show up in your garden! <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Photo <\/a>
The Ridgway’s Hawk is one of the most critically endangered raptors in the world and is endemic to Hispaniola. (Photo by Dax Roma\u0301n) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Last year we had 31 teams compete with members spanning across 47 countries and raised over $64,000US to keep our core programs going. This year let\u2019s take it to the next level\u2014more islands, more energy, more data\u2014and show the world how passionate and serious we are about bird conservation!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Birding for a Cause: Empowering the Next Generation<\/b><\/h3>\n

In addition to hosting what is (unofficially) the most exciting birding competition in the region, we\u2019ll also be raising funds to provide travel scholarships to deserving bird conservationists to attend our upcoming <\/span>25th International Conference in Trinidad and Tobago!<\/span><\/a> It’s an invaluable opportunity for international networking and learning new skills to help save our Caribbean birds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

24 Joyous Hours of Birding, Exploring, and Making Friends!<\/b><\/h3>\n

During peak migration time in the spring, birders around the world head out to their favorite birding spots, or venture into new areas, to see, hear and record as many bird species as they can in a 24-hr period of time. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. <\/span>The data is entered into eBird checklists (more about using eBird below).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Members <\/a>
Members of the team BirdersSKN birdwatching on Global Big Day. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Members <\/a>
Members of The Palmchatters. (Photo by Andrea Thomen) <\/div> <\/div>
\"A <\/a>
A few members of Statia’s Golden Warblers in St. Eustatius, Global Big Day 2025. (Photo by Jethro van’t Hul) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Beny <\/a>
Beny Wilson and friends birding in Panama for the Flying Pintails. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

No matter where you are\u2014at home, a botanical garden, beach, river or nature reserve\u2014you can contribute important data about the birds around you. You don\u2019t need to be an expert birder or spend the entire day looking for birds. Just 10 minutes of birding in your backyard or from your balcony will count too. Imagine, while enjoying your morning coffee, you can also be contributing valuable data for bird conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not Microsoft Teams<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you’re looking to make your GBD experience more social, consider teaming up with a friend or group. Pairs or groups can carpool, help out with tricky bird IDs, share equipment like spotting scopes.. and possibly snacks!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are calling on our community to bird together in virtual teams (you don\u2019t need to be birding together in the same place) during Global Big Day and engage in friendly competition to see which team can:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1) collectively see the most species of birds, and\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2) raise the most funds.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional recognition will be given to<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. the team with the <\/span>most creative name!<\/b><\/li>\n
  2. the \u201ccountry\/island team\u201d that sees the highest proportion of their birds on Global Big Day <\/b>(to control for differences in the number of species on each island!)<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. the team with the <\/span>best \u201cfind\u201d of the day<\/b> (unusual, rare, plumage aberration, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. the team with the <\/span>best bird photo of the day<\/b> (must be posted on eBird along with your list)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Last year the Piping Pawis from Trinidad and Tobago and the Gundlach Team from Cuba <\/span><\/i>swept the competition<\/span><\/i><\/a>. Will your team be the one to dethrone these champs?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    The Best Global Big Day Starts with the Right Prep!<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Ready to make the most of Global Big Day? Joining our competition is easy\u2014just follow these simple steps to prepare for a successful birding adventure!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Image<\/a>
    Getting a CWC list on eBird. (Photo by EAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Step 1: Get Set Up with eBird<\/b>
    \n<\/span>First things first, if you don\u2019t already have one, download the eBird app and set up your account. You will need it to submit your checklist\/s! It\u2019s FREE and <\/span>    you can sign up here<\/span><\/a>! Don\u2019t forget to check out <\/span>Getting Started with eBird<\/span><\/a> to get familiar with the app.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 2: Join Your Island Team<\/b>
    \n<\/span>By joining your island team, you’ll gain access to shared resources\u2014if you don\u2019t have binoculars or a field guide, other birders may offer a spotting scope and copies for you to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you’d prefer your own binoculars, we recommend <\/span>Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8×42<\/span><\/a>. The <\/span>Birds of the West Indies, Second Edition<\/span><\/i> field guide is available for purchase <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. If you’re birding in the Lesser Antilles, <\/span>this guide is highly recommended<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    Chances are that your island already has an existing team! Team Up by heading over to our <\/span>Givebutter BC GBD Teams page <\/span><\/a>to find your team! Just click the \u2018<\/span>JOIN A TEAM\u2019 button on the campaign page to get started<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 3: Choose Your Birding Location\/s<\/b>
    \n<\/span>Choose your birding location carefully. Local parks, nature reserves, and wetlands offer a wide range of species. Team leaders will be your best resource for advice on where to go and the best times to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Want to Create Your Own Team?<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Not seeing a team for your island and want to create your own? We love your initiative! <\/span>Just email <\/span>Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org<\/b> to get set up. We\u2019ll help you with the groundwork of getting your team set up, including setting up your <\/span>must-have<\/span><\/i> eBird trip report,\u00a0 so that you and your crew can soar to GBD success! After setup, you\u2019ll have full control to manage it, so be sure to really make it your own with a fun name, photos, and your own lingo!<\/span><\/p>\n

    All team leaders and members should then invite family, friends, colleagues, and members of your birding community to join your team and\/or donate to your team.<\/b> It helps to set your own personal fundraising goal to help your team reach its overall goal!<\/span><\/p>\n

    By inviting people to your team, you\u2019ll be:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    (1) raising awareness for BirdsCaribbean and the critical bird research and conservation work we do in the region,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    (2) helping to raise funds to support rising Caribbean conservation leaders, and\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    (3) promoting Global Big Day, citizen science, and the importance of conserving birds and their habitats.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you can\u2019t join the GBD team competition fun this year, you can still show support by making a donation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Why We Really Need Your Support this Global Big Day<\/b><\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a>This Global Big Day fundraiser will fund travel scholarships for Caribbean students and wildlife professionals to attend our upcoming <\/span>International Conference<\/span><\/a>, 23rd \u2013 27th July, 2026, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. These are dedicated persons who are on the ground, doing the work everyday to secure a future for birds and their habitats. Attending the conference is an invaluable opportunity for them to 1) build upon or gain new skills to address threats to bird conservation on their respective islands, and 2)\u00a0 network with the wider conservation community, share their work, and learn from others. For Caribbean students, this experience will help to kickstart their introduction into the ornithological and conservation community and they will benefit from mentorship opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our plan is to raise funds to help cover travel costs that will allow deserving participants to attend\u2014including covering registration, airfare and\/or hotel costs as necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We hope everyone, whether or not they join a team or fundraise, will commit to spending some time (or the entire day!) birding on Global Big Day (May 9), being sure to keep track of what you see and then enter that information into eBird.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As with everything in the Caribbean, we will be successful when our whole community pitches in, so let\u2019s do this together! We need your help to do this!<\/b><\/h4>\n
    \n

    #GBD2025 Recap: Big Wins for Birds and Birders in the Caribbean<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n