Cope Environmental Center Birdathon - May 1-17, 2026

How to Birdathon in 5 Easy Steps

1. Register as a solo birder or photographer, join or start your own team. Customize your fundraising page and share the link to begin collecting donations! Donations will be posted online to your individual or team page.

2. Go birding or simply enjoy nature! Bird anytime/anywhere from May 1 to May 17. Count as many species of birds as you can identify, either by sight or sound, and record your total to include on your online fundraising page. We recommend using an app such as eBird, which allows you to share a link to the bird list you've compiled. You can participate individually or create/join a team for your bird count. If you don’t have a team but would like to join one, we will be hosting gatherings throughout the month.

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3. Share some highlights and photos with those who supported your Birdathon. Provide your sponsors with the list of birds you identified, thank them for their support, and ask them to send in their donations. 

4. Remind folks to donate! Many people will donate once they receive your Birdathon report and hear about your experience! You can watch the donations come in online through your individual or team fundraising page. Sponsors who do not wish to donate online can send checks made out to "Cope Environmental Center" to: 1730 Airport Rd. Centerville, IN  47330. If you have sponsors who send checks to you, please send any donations collected to Cope Environmental Center. Please do not hold on to donations for more than two weeks. Each participant is asked to raise $100, but the more the better!

5. Celebrate your success! This event would not be a success without your support! Thank you for participating in our largest fundraiser.

The Birdathon is like a walkathon, except instead of counting miles, you count birds! 🐦 You don’t have to be a pro birder to participate. If you love exploring nature, meeting new friends, and making a positive impact in your community, you’re in the right place.

Your participation helps spread awareness and appreciation for wildlife species and their habitats. That appreciation inspires everyday choices that support a healthy, sustainable Earth.

Sign up and go birding solo, with a team, or as a photographer. Whether you're identifying species or capturing them through your lens 📷, Birdathon is a fun way to get outside, learn about birds, and support Cope Environmental Center.

Check out our Birding with Cope Environmental Center page on Facebook. Share photos and sightings, ask questions, discuss bird ID, and so much more! This is Cope Environmental Center's page for all things birds, and it's a particularly hoppin' place to be during the two weeks of our Birdathon!