COUNTY News:
Join birders across the Land of Enchantment for the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year! This year-long competition challenges participants to identify as many bird species as possible within the state between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. Open to birders of all ages and skill levels, the contest promotes wildlife appreciation, conservation awareness and community among New Mexico’s birding enthusiasts.
Participation Guidelines for the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year competition
Participants must register via the online form on or before April 1 to be part of the 2026 New Mexico Big Year. Any questions can be emailed to DGF-WildlifeEd@dgf.nm.gov.
Participants are required to log their data into the online service, eBird, available on Google Play, Apple App Store, and the Cornell University web site: www.ebird.org.
Participants will need to submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the coordinator of the program. This is to help track progress and provide quality control.
Winners of the competition in each category (youth, adult and senior) will be determined by a committee as determined by the program coordinator. Winners will be recognized, and prizes will be awarded in mid-January of the following calendar year.
Find all the rules and contest information on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fist website.