8,023 bird species seen on record-breaking day
The Race to Save Birds Challenge returns to raise over £13,000 for global conservation and help break another record of 8,023 bird species seen worldwide.
The second edition of BirdLife’s Race to Save Birds Challenge took place alongside World Migratory Bird Day and Global Big Day on 9th May – turning a day of birdwatching into real conservation impact.
This fun and friendly fundraiser invited participants to not only watch birds but help protect them by raising the vital funds needed to power the science, advocacy, and conservation that helps them survive.
Our CEO Martin Harper led the way with his own dedicated Race to Save Birds Challenge fundraiser which contributed over £5,000 and 77 species to the total count.
As part of this year’s Race, we hosted five guided bird walks across the world taking place in New York City, Washington D.C., Cambridge, London, and Singapore.
All walks were perfect opportunities for BirdLife Staff and supporters to come together while taking to local parks to count and report as many species as possible.
Inspiring future conservationists
A particularly inspiring moment came in from Gau, Fiji’s largest island, where 39 children aged eight to 13 took part for the first time. This was led by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti (NFMV) with support of BirdLife International and was the 3rd Reconnecting with Our Heritage Eco Camp.
Armed with their binoculars and brimming with newfound knowledge, these budding conservationists headed out to field and reported sightings like the Fiji Goshawk and the Fiji Woodswallow.
For these young islanders, it was a powerful moment of realisation: that even from their little beautiful island of Gau, their efforts matter on a global scale.
Every sighting adds valuable evidence which helps conservationists across BirdLife International and our Partnership make informed decisions to help birds and nature thrive.
“Every contribution – from sightings to funds raised – equips our scientists and conservationists around the world with the resources needed to turn the tide of bird population decline. And, with over half of the world’s birds needing our help, this is the race we really need to win. Thank you to everyone who took part and I hope you can mark the next Race to Save Birds Challenge in your diaries.”
E.J. Mcadams, Chief development Officer, birdlife international
Header Image: BirdLife’s CEO Martin Harper with supporters in Washington D.C.
How can you get involved?
“You don’t need to be an expert to care about birds,” our CEO Martin Harper concludes. “When we notice the wildlife around us, we start to understand the condition of the places we all rely on. Birds give us both a warning and an opportunity. They show us where nature needs urgent action, and where there is still hope.”
The joy we feel watching birds is inseparable from the responsibility to protect them. It is why we’re inviting all to take on our Race to Save Birds Challenge as part of World Migratory Bird Day and Global Big Day each year.
This challenge isn’t about speed or endurance, but about care. By taking part you’ll be observing birds, contributing vital data, and raising funds that keeps conservation moving to help birds and nature thrive.
