Young Birder of the Year Contest

Young Birders' Conference

Camps

ABA Scholarships
   - Recipients

Connect!

A Bird's-Eye View

Join ABA

ABA/Leica Young Birder of the Year Modules

You do not have to participate in the overall Young Birder of the Year category to participate in the contest. For the overall category, the Field Notebook Module is required, and at least two other modules must be completed. You many participate in as many modules as you like.

The Modules are:

• Field Notebook Module. The Field Notebook Module entails taking field notes of birds that you observe in the field. You should be birding and taking notes at least once a week, preferably more. This module is intended to help you sharpen your bird observation and note-taking skills as well as learn more about bird distribution in your home area and places you visit. Taking good field notes will improve your overall birding skills, and good note taking requires you to look more closely at birds than you ever have before. It is no coincidence that virtually all of the world's best birders take careful field notes. The Field Notebook Module is required for the overall Young Birder of the Year.
   
• Illustration Module. The Bird Illustration Module involves drawing birds that you see or that interest you most. You should be regularly sketching birds, at least once a week, and completing a detailed drawing or painting of a bird at least once a month, preferably more. Try to do a few drawings while you're watching a cooperative bird in the field or at your bird feeders. Drawings from the work of others is allowed also but should not comprise the entire module.
   
• Writing Module. The Writing Module involves writing about birds, bird-watching, and your experiences with both. You should aim to write at least once a month, preferably more. Essays should be relatively short (no more than three pages). Write about your favorite bird, a favorite birding experience, an unexpected encounter, or your favorite birder. Fiction and poetry are accepted so be creative!
   
• Photography Module. Module is simply taking photographs of birds. Photos can be taken either on film or digitally. You should aim to take photos at least twice a month, and select one favorite from each outing to consider for your portfolio. At least three of the five final images you submit must be of birds in the wild, which could also include your backyard.
   

More detailed guidelines for each module will be provided when you register.

Young Birder of the Year Grand Prize. In order to compete in the Young Birder of the Year category, you need to participate in at least three of the modules (Field Notebook must be one of these).