Birdathon is Back—and this year, it’s a Big Day that’s Bigger and Better!
Date: May 24, 2025

Get ready for a Big Day on May 24, 2025! Our passionate team of bird enthusiasts and volunteers is gearing up to count as many bird species as possible – all to raise essential funds for Michigan Audubon’s vital avian research at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO) in Paradise, Michigan.

What’s new in 2025?

We’re expanding our count territory beyond Chippewa County to include Alger, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties – inviting more birders to join the fun and put their skills to the test. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice, you can make a big difference.

Sign up to bird

  • To volunteer as a counter, solo or with a team, email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you all the details.
  • Top teams and individuals will receive a special gift bag and be featured in our Jack Pine Warbler magazine and on Instagram!
  • Utilize a special Birdathon Big Day eBird event list to track your sightings and monitor the competition.

Our Goal? Raise $10,000 in one day!

By making a per-species pledge – whether it’s 25¢ or $5 – you’ll be making a meaningful impact. Every dollar supports conservation efforts and critical research positions at WPBO, which requires $100,000 annually to fund seven dedicated research staff and operational needs.

Make a per-species pledge (e.g. $0.50 per bird species)

  • Last year’s count was 141 species — let’s aim even higher this year!
  • All pledges will be updated to reflect the total bird species tallied, and
    payment requests will be sent
  • Simply click here to pledge now

Donate directly to support our fieldwork

  • Simply click here to donate now
  • Or mail a check to: (please include Birdathon Big Day in the memo)
    Michigan Audubon
    2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200
    Okemos, MI 48864

Help Protect Migrating Birds at WPBO

Our dedicated team of seasonal researchers works tirelessly to monitor and protect migrating birds across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From raptor and waterbird counts in the spring and fall to summer monitoring of the endangered Piping Plover – the work at WPBO is entirely funded by donors like you.

We’ve partnered with Seney National Wildlife Refuge to protect Piping Plovers, but a current pause in federal funding has placed their annual $10,000 contribution in jeopardy. That’s why your support is more critical than ever.

Funds raised help sustain key research positions, including:

  • Spring and fall Raptor and Waterbird Counters
  • Piping Plover Monitor, protecting an endangered species
  • Field Ornithologist, engaging with visitors and leading bird walks
  • NEW in 2025: Songbird morning flight monitoring

These roles require funding for housing, equipment, and supplies —your donations make it all possible!

When you donate to Birdathon Big Day, following the event, you will receive the 2025 Birdathon Big Day Species List as a token of our appreciation.

Thank you for participating in Michigan Audubon’s mission to connect birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, research, and education.