12 Birds of Summer Challenge

🐦 Log 12 bird species

🏅 Complete the challenge to earn your digital finisher’s badge

🎁 Stand a chance to win Vortex Viper 10x42 binoculars

This summer, Vortex invites you to get outdoors, explore South Africa’s rich birdlife, and take on the 12 Birds of Summer challenge.

The goal is simple: log 12 different bird species between 1 December and 10 January. Whether you're birding from your garden, strolling through your local park, or exploring the bush on holiday, every sighting brings you closer to completing the challenge.

December is one of the best times of year for birding in South Africa, with long warm days, vibrant species activity, and plenty of opportunities to spot something special. From dazzling starlings to elusive cuckoos, summer is the perfect season to sharpen your birdwatching skills.

Completing the challenge will earn you the 12 Birds of Summer digital badge, and you’ll also go into the prize draw to win a pair of Vortex Viper 10x42 binoculars, generously sponsored by Whylo.

Whylo is South Africa’s leading distributor of high-quality binoculars, scopes, and outdoor optics, supplying products trusted by nature-lovers, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. As the official distributor of Vortex in South Africa, Whylo brings some of the world’s most reliable and best-loved optics to local birders. The Vortex Viper 10x42 offers exceptional clarity, durability, and performance, making it a favourite among birdwatchers at every level.

This challenge is for anyone with a Birda account. This challenge is for tickable species only. You can read more about tickable species here.

This challenge starts and ends based on the South African time zone. All individual species logged globally will count towards this challenge and will be included in any leaderboard placement. All sightings must be logged before midnight on the day the challenge ends.

Be honest with yourself and other birders, but above all, respectful of them and any other outdoor users, everywhere – especially online. If you didn’t see it (or hear it), please don’t put it on Birda.