How to Do a Big Year (or a Big Day, or a Big Sit)

Listing challenges add a game layer to birding, and the most famous is the Big Year — a quest to see or hear as many bird species as possible in a single calendar year. You don't have to be obsessive (or wealthy) to enjoy one.

The classic formats

• Big Year: as many species as possible in one calendar year, in an area you define (a country, state, county, or yard).
• Big Day: as many species as possible in 24 hours — a frantic, fun, well-planned dash.
• Big Sit: count every species seen or heard from a single fixed spot (often a 17-foot-diameter circle) in a day — the most relaxed format.

Pick the right scale

A continental Big Year is a famous, expensive marathon (immortalized in the book and film 'The Big Year'). But a county Big Year, a yard Big Year, or a patch list is far more attainable and just as rewarding — and teaches you a place deeply. Choose a scale that fits your time and budget.

Plan around the calendar

Big Years reward planning: hit each habitat in its best season, time trips to migration peaks, and chase winter specialties when they arrive. Keep a target list of species you still need and the dates and places to find them.

Use the tools

1. Track your list in an app and review what you're missing.
2. Watch rare-bird alerts and eBird needs alerts for your area.
3. Use range and timing knowledge to plan efficient outings.

Keep it joyful

The point of a Big Year is the adventure, the places, and the learning — not just the number. Use Birder AI to log your year list, track your stats, and celebrate milestones. Whether you finish with 50 species or 500, a Big Year will make you a better birder and give you a great year of stories.