2026 Birdathon

Community Powered. Science Driven.
Dates: May 18-25, 2026

Birdathon is back! This year we’re transforming our traditional Birdathon Big Day into a week-long celebration of birds, research, and community-powered conservation.

From May 18-25, chapter teams will each select a 24-hour period to count as many birds as possible at Michigan Audubon sanctuaries, Michigan Nature Association properties and/or established eBird hotspots around the state. Every species documented contributes to a clearer understanding of bird diversity and habitat use during spring migration.

Our Goal: Raise $15,000 to Strengthen Bird Research Across Michigan

By supporting Birdathon, you’re making a meaningful impact. All donors will receive the 2026 Birdathon Species List.

To mail a check include Birdathon in the memo and send to:
Michigan Audubon
2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200
Okemos, MI 48864

Why Donate to Birdathon?

Advancing Avian Research Statewide

Funds raised support long-term migration monitoring and field research at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, as well as growing research efforts at Michigan Audubon sanctuaries across the state.

At WPBO, this work provides vital insight into raptor, waterbird, and songbird movements through the Great Lakes region. Funds raised help sustain research staff, equipment, housing, and expanding initiatives such as acoustic monitoring and morning flight studies.

Additionally, Birdathon funding supports new initiatives using acoustic monitoring via Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) to evaluate habitat restoration work at our sanctuaries and to better understand the annual cycle of Chimney Swifts.

Our research programs are powered by donors and Birdathon plays a critical role in ensuring this work continues and grows.

Generating Valuable Bird Data

During the week, teams will submit sightings through eBird, contributing important data that helps to:

• Establish a baseline of bird diversity and abundance
• Evaluate how our habitat management is impacting wildlife
• Identify conservation priorities across properties

Good conservation depends on good data. By supporting Birdathon, you are helping ensure that management decisions at our sanctuaries are guided by on-the-ground science.

Supporting Local Birding Communities

Birdathon is also an investment in Michigan’s local birding communities.

Each chapter team will receive 10% of the funds they raise. Chapters with the most donations and the most recorded bird species will each receive 25% of the funds they raise.

Your donation not only advances statewide research — it strengthens the chapters that connect people to birds in their own communities, building the engaged network of birders and community scientists that makes this work possible.

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