New Mexico
New Mexico hosting birding contest in 2026
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is hosting its first-ever birding contest, open to all skill levels, running throughout 2026.
Curt Coffman from the department said, “New Mexico is number four in the nation for the number of bird species we have identified over 550 birds in this state.”
The contest, called the 2026 New Mexico Birding Big Year, began on Jan. 1. Participants can register online until April and must use the eBird app to log their sightings.
“Whether you’re a beginner or you are a seasoned, advanced birder. This is a contest for anybody,” Coffman said.
Coffman shared that someone has already spotted over 200 species in less than two weeks. The grand prize is still being determined, but the contest aims to encourage exploration of New Mexico.
Coffman mentioned that in Albuquerque alone, one could identify 50 to 100 species.
For details on how to join the contest, click here.