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.

Everyone who submits their results will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize, a pair of Vortex Viper HD 10 x 42 binoculars valued at $500! In addition to the grand prize, five additional winners will be drawn from among all returned results to win an ASI logo hat and a Cold Stone Creamery gift card. The teams/individuals with the top five highest scores will also receive an ASI hat and gift card. Please note, teams will only receive one entry in the drawings and one prize. However, everyone who submits their results, including all members of each team, can receive a Fairbanks Birding Challenge sticker. All prizes, including stickers, can be picked up at the Creamer’s Farmhouse Visitor Center.

Get started by registering below. The registration fee is $30 for a team/family (including up to 2 adults) or $20 for an individual. Once you register, you will receive a link to download your Fairbanks Birding Challenge registration packet, including your bird list. You will be automatically signed up to receive ASI Birding Challenge emails with upcoming guided birding opportunities, unless you opt out. The emails will provide information on weekly guided bird walks with the Arctic Audubon Society, as well as ASI’s Thursday night Birding Meetups with ASI staff and volunteers and other opportunities.

We also encourage you to join Boreal Birder and the Fairbanks Birding Challenge Facebook group. Here you will find updates on bird arrivals, hints on where to find your species, and more. You can also post pictures to share with other teams. Share pictures on your own social media using #FairbanksBirdingChallenge! Good luck and have fun!