European Big Year 2025

📷 Log 10 species 🏆 Complete the challenge and earn your digital finisher’s badge Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or first-time explorer, the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trusts challenge you to spot and connect with at least 10 bird species around Rutland Water this year. Home to the iconic Rutland Ospreys and containing one of the largest wildfowl sanctuaries in all of the UK, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a birder’s dream and the perfect venue to help you grow your life lists. So head out and explore! Wildfowl swim in the bay in spring, and when the water levels fall in late summer, the area is taken over by wading birds feeding on the exposed mud. Keep your eyes peeled for the flash of a kingfisher and the majestic ospreys diving for fish.

🐦 Log 30 species Join the Greater London Challenge 2025, enhance your birding skills, and contribute to urban wildlife research while exploring the enchanting beauty of London's avian residents. The variety of bird species found in London is a testament to the city's vibrant urban biodiversity and green spaces. Set a personal goal to spot and log 30 bird species in the Greater London area (inside the M25) by the end of the year!

🐦 Log 100 species Participate in the Birda Global Big Year 2025, expand your birdwatching skills, and contribute to worldwide conservation research. This exciting challenge allows you to explore and document the diverse range of bird species found anywhere in the world. The goal is to identify and record 100 different bird species from any location across the globe by the end of the year!

🐦 Log 200 species 📍 Anywhere We’ve teamed up with Bird Watching magazine for their special Big Year challenge as we want to encourage people to see more birds than ever! There’s a target of 200 species, you don’t need any fancy equipment, though some binoculars may help! You can do it in England, Wales or deep in the Amazon Rainforest. Help and advice will be in every issue of Bird Watching magazine and there’ll be regular Readers’ Days at which you can meet the BW team, get tips from them and reserve wardens, and add new species to your list at some of the UK’s best birding spots.

🐦 Log 75 species Join the Britain Big Year 2025 Challenge, develop your birdwatching abilities, and support wildlife research across Britain's varied habitats. Explore and discover the wide array of bird species found throughout Britain's countryside, coasts, and urban areas. Challenge yourself to spot and document 75 different bird species by the end of the year!

🐦 Log 100 species Join the Southern Africa Big Year 2025 and experience the rich avian biodiversity of Southern Africa. Your goal? Identify and log 100 bird species to complete the challenge. But don't stop there! Keep exploring and recording to see how high you can climb on the leaderboard, comparing your achievements with fellow birders across this diverse and bird-rich region. Countries include Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini & Mozambique (South of the Zambezi river).

🐦 Log 75 species Join the Kruger National Park Challenge 2025, improve your birdwatching, and help with wildlife research in South Africa's famous park. Discover the diverse birds of Kruger National Park. Aim to spot 75 different species by the end of the year!

🐦 Log 75 species Join the South Africa Big Year 2025, enhance your birdwatching skills, and contribute to wildlife research across the country's diverse landscapes. Explore the rich variety of bird species found throughout South Africa's parks and natural reserves. Set your goal to identify and record 75 different bird species by the end of the year and see if you can spot the 2025 Bird of the Year - the beautiful Bateluer!

🐦 Log 100 species Join the ABA Area Big Year 2025, enhance your birdwatching skills, and contribute to avian research within the American Birding Association (ABA) area. Embrace the opportunity to explore and document the diverse bird species found across North America, including the United States and Canada. Set your sights on identifying and recording 100 different bird species in the ABA area by the end of the year! What’s the ABA Area? The ABA Area, sometimes referred to as the ABA Checklist Area, is essentially North America north of Mexico plus the Hawaiian Islands. Specifically, the area encompassed is the 49 continental United States, the Hawaiian Islands, Canada, the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon, and adjacent waters to a distance of 200 miles from land or half the distance to a neighbouring country, whichever is less.

🐦 Log 30 species 📍 Anywhere November’s here, and with it comes a whole new birding adventure! As flocks move and colours shift, it’s time to see how many species you can add to your list. Can you hit 30 before the month is out? From garden regulars to surprise migrants, every sighting brings a little thrill. So get out there and stay curious! This month's bird is the Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) which is one of Africa’s most fascinating and striking birds. These large, black birds with vivid red facial skin are the largest hornbills in the world, standing up to a metre tall. They are known for their deep, booming calls that can be heard several kilometres away and often mistaken for distant thunder! Found in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, they are cooperative breeders, meaning family groups work together to raise a single chick every few years. Sadly, they’re considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and low reproductive rates, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.