Published March 3, 2025
MetroParks’ first Birding Challenge is here and so is your chance to win prizes
Five Rivers MetroParks has launched its newest public challenge, which invites participants to connect with the outdoors by engaging in one of the country’s most popular outdoor pastimes—birding. The MetroParks Birding Challenge also allows the public to contribute to important citizen science and local conservation activities.
The MetroParks Birding Challenge features 30 tasks that invite participants to bird in their favorite MetroParks and even their own backyards. The challenge encourages observation, creativity and collaboration to support the more than 450 species of birds in Ohio. Open to all ages and skill levels, the challenge can be completed alone or in a group.
“Birding has a positive effect on people’s mental and physical health, and there happen to be many areas in MetroParks that are perfect for bird watching—we call those ‘Best Birding Areas,’” said Elizabeth Wetterstroem, MetroParks interpretation coordinator. “It’s our hope that this challenge will help people find a new outdoor hobby that brings them joy and fosters an appreciation of birds—one that translates into proactively supporting conservation efforts at home and in natural spaces.”
According to a U.S. Fish, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation survey, nearly 100 million people in the U.S. participated in bird watching activities or participated in at-home habits that benefit birds. However, climate change, habitat loss and invasive species have contributed to North American bird populations declining by 3 billion in the last 50 years, per the National Audubon Society.
How to participate and get started
- Visit metroparks.org/birdingchallenge to register, access the Birding Challenge Log, Birding Challenge Tasks and Birding Challenge Guide.
- Birding Challenge Tasks are broken into six categories: spot, learn, support, enjoy, get together and have fun. Complete at least one task in each category for a chance to win prizes.
- Because many of the tasks coordinate with the Birding Challenge Guide, participants should review this helpful digital booklet of how-tos, activities and resources.
- Experience MetroParks’ best places to bird by visiting some or all of the 12 sites identified on the Best Birding Areas map. Locations are clearly marked with signs in the listed MetroParks and conservation areas. Accessible locations are also indicated on the map.
- Sign up for Five Rivers MetroParks monthly email at metroparks.org and follow MetroParks on Facebook and Instagram to learn about programs and opportunities that help participants complete tasks.
- Complete as many tasks as you wish on your own time and at your own pace. When finished, visit metroparks.org/birdingchallenge to digitally submit your log. For those who can’t digitally submit their logs, information about mailing in your log can be found on the MetroParks Birding Challenge website, as well. Logs must be submitted on or before Nov. 9 for a chance to win prizes.
Win prizes
Every participant who completes at least one task in each category of the 2025 MetroParks Birding Challenge will receive a MetroParks Birding Challenge sticker and a chance to win:
- A pair of Nikon PROSTAFF P7 8×45 binoculars
- An EcoClean® Medium Seed Tube Feeder and 20 pounds of Wild Birds Unlimited Supreme Blend Bird Seed
- A basket of bird-themed goodies, including shade-grown coffee, a copy of Birds of the Photo Ark by Joel Sartore and Noah Strycker and a Charley Harper mug.
For every additional six tasks participants complete, they will receive an additional raffle entry. For a bonus entry, participants can take a photo of themselves birding and include it with their submission. Each participant can earn a maximum of six raffle entries.
Winners will be notified by email or phone and prizes will be distributed after Dec. 1.
Know before you go
- Before you visit a MetroPark for any activity, be sure to visit metroparks.org/alerts to ensure your trail designation is open to the public.
- Respect wildlife by always following Leave No Trace principles in MetroParks and other natural spaces, including refraining from approaching and touching wildlife.
- Be aware of the most up-to-date information with regards to the avian flu by visiting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website.
Take on two MetroParks challenges at once
Many of the 30 MetroParks Birding Challenge tasks can be completed on MetroParks’ trails. Complete Birding Challenge tasks while checking off MetroParks Trails Challenge trails in order to increase your chances of winning prizes.
The MetroParks Trails Challenge — running now through Oct. 31, 2025 — invites participants to hike, bike, paddle, horseback ride and mountain bike 28 of MetroParks’ trails. The Trails Challenge can be completed on your own time and at your own pace, making it easy to complete both Trails Challenge and Birding Challenge tasks during a single outing. Learn more about and register for the MetroParks Trails Challenge by visiting metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
