Oxbow, Inc. Birdathon 2026
For twenty-four hours each spring, birders fan out to identify and count as many species as they can, and every species counted raises money for the Oxbow. The 40th Annual Birdathon runs from 5:00 PM on May 1 to 5:00 PM on May 2.
It is a fundraising competition first and a birding challenge second. Enter on your own or put a team together, bird across the full twenty-four hours, and keep a running tally of everything you positively identify. Everyone gathers at the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center at 5:00 PM on May 2 for the Tally Party, where the lists are compared and the totals added up.
What to bring
- Binoculars, and a spotting scope if you have one
- The Birds of the Oxbow checklist, printed or on your phone
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes; the trail is rough in places
- Food and plenty of water; there are no restrooms on site
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and a warm layer for after dark
Not a birder? You can still take part. Sponsor a participant by pledging an amount for every species they find, a dollar a species is typical, or give a flat amount for the whole event.
