The Fairbanks Birding Challenge is a month-long outdoor scavenger hunt for people of all ages and all birding abilities. It takes place during the spring migration season. The Challenge is open to beginners, seasoned pros, and everyone in between. You can participate as an individual, or as a team/family. The goal is to find as many birds as you can on the 2025 list within the Fairbanks North Star Borough during the month of May. All proceeds support the Alaska Songbird Institute’s Creamer’s Field Migration Station.

Everyone who registers will receive the same list. Each species has been assigned point levels. Common species score one point whereas more challenging ones can score 3, 5, or even up to 10 points. Your goal is to score as many points as you can. As always, birds must be spotted within the Fairbanks North Star Borough during the month of May.

At the end of the month, fill out the totals and contact info and return it by email or text using the information on the form. You can also drop it off in ASI’s office upstairs in the Creamer’s Field Farmhouse. Everyone who returns a list is eligible for prizes, and everyone who signs up receives a discount code for 10% off everything on our online store.