Birders of all experience levels are invited to take part in the 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge (MBC), scheduled for May 1–22, with free educational webinars offered in advance to help participants prep are.
The Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation will host the challenge, with registration open April 1–30.
To get ready, MDC and USFWS bird experts will present a series of free webinars focusing on birding basics, conservation issues, and Missouri’s bird species and habitats.
The webinar schedule includes:
BIRDING FOR (AND WITH) KIDS
March 12, 6–7 p.m.
MDC naturalist Austin Lambert will discuss birding as a family- friendly, low-cost outdoor activity. The presentation will cover how children naturally excel at birding, how to build basic observation and identification skills, and ways parents can make birding fun and engaging. Register at mdc.mo.gov/ o3M.
MISSOURI BIRDS AND HABITATS
April 16, 6–7 p.m.
MDC ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre will offer a refresher on identifying common birds by sight and sound and understanding their habitats. The webinar is designed for both new and experienced birders. Register at mdc.mo.gov/o3A.
During the challenge, participants may compete individually or as part of a team in five categories based on age, experience level, or birding location. Birders will use eBird to record sightings at public natural areas or in their own backyards.
Registration fees are $15 per person, or $10 per team in the youth Fledgling category. Fees support migratory bird conservation projects and are collected by the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. Organizers noted fees were reduced from last year based on participant feedback.
A new Big Day category has been added this year, challenging participants to record as many bird species as possible during the 24 hours of World Migratory Bird Day on May 9.
Participants who complete a category and submit their required eBird report will be entered into prize drawings for bird-related items, including binoculars and gift cards. The Missouri Birding Society and Columbia Audubon Society are sponsoring prizes.
More information and registration details are available at mdc.mo.gov/ MObirdingchallenge.
