The #BigYearAtHome campaign is an interactive, fun, engaging, friendly, and collaborative challenge that aims to welcome different kinds of communities to participate in birdwatching and bird conservation activities. We have lost about 3 billion birds since 1970, and we can help bring them back. Our goal is to share monthly challenges, information, and activities that will help you connect with birds and take action to help them recover. Communities in large cities and towns, communities with wide-open spaces around homes and other buildings, and everyone in-between is welcome to participate

Each month, we’ll post “Monthly Challenges,” a variety of activities that you can participate in from the place where you live, or nearby. We’ll also share information about activities and places that might be a little (or a lot!) farther away from the place where you live. You can expect to see birdwatching challenges, eBird checklist challenges, challenges to participate with family and friends, challenges to attend virtual presentations, and more. Throughout the campaign we’re asking you to put safety first. You can help birds from almost anywhere, so we’d like you to participate in your #BigYearAtHome from places where you are safe and feel comfortable.

To get started, check out the video and Activity Feed on this page. To stay connected, we welcome you to sign up for email updates, follow Partners in Flight on Facebook / Twitter, or contact us through the form on this page.

Welcome to your #BigYearAtHome!

#BigYearAtHome Activity Feed

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  What is it about birding? A panel discussion on the joys of birding.December 15, 2021
  What is it about birding? Learn about the joys of birding from a panel of experienced birders – and new birders who are just getting started. This recorded panel is intended to create a sense of belonging and community for people of color.
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  #BigYearAtHome December Challenge- Winterizing your GardenDecember 10, 2021
  Our December #BYAH challenge is to winterize your gardens with birds in mind. During winter all animals still need quality food, water, and shelter to survive and, as habitat loss and climate change continue to impact these necessities. By winterizing your garden for birds, you can help birds survive— and even thrive— over winter, so that they may have more productive spring.
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  Birding for Beginners: helping diverse communities find their place in birdingNovember 23, 2021
  While birding is a relatively accessible hobby in general, some may find it challenging to get into. There are specific barriers that BIPOC communities face. Sam DeJarnett and other partners are helping to overcome barriers that make birding less accessible and attracting groups representing a broad range of demographics. They are helping the BIPOC community, as well as other beginner birders, find their place in the birding community.
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  #BigYearAtHome November Challenge – Urban Birding (#UrbanBirding)November 5, 2021
  For our November challenge the #BigYearAtHome Team encourages participants to 1) learn more about #UrbanBirding Hotspots and Urban National Wildlife Refuges near you and 2) go and visit one of your local #UrbanBirding Hotspots or Urban National Wildlife Refuges. Other #UrbanBirding resources and tips are also provided. Plus, learn more about the US Fish and Wildlife Services Urban Bird Treaty Program and participating cities.
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  The Urban Bird Treaty Program: Making local communities healthier places for birds and peopleOctober 26, 2021
  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Urban Bird Treaty Program supports public-private partnerships in U.S. cities that are working to make local communities healthier places for birds and people. In Portland, Oregon, Urban Bird Treaty Program partners are modeling “What it Takes to Develop a Bird-Safe City.” Learn more about the Urban Bird Treaty program and get ready to get involved as the #BigYearAtHome Team gears up for our November #UrbanBirdTreaty challenge!