“It was such a fun event! After covering over 1000 km in our amazing province, we observed 192 species of birds that day, breaking the previous year’s total—so awesome!”
Every May, bird lovers across Canada take on an exciting challenge for a great cause: Birdathon! Whether you’re spending the day racing to spot as many species as possible, or simply enjoying birds from your own backyard, Birdathon is for everyone (including beginners).
While she’s no stranger to the wonder of birds, Michelle Schreder participated in her first Birdathon last year and completed a high-energy “big day” in Alberta. We caught up with Michelle to hear about her experience, her top Birdathon moments, and some advice for anyone thinking about joining the fun this year.
Can you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to join Birdathon for the first time last year?
Michelle: My name is Michelle Schreder, and I live in Calgary, Alberta. I have a tremendous passion for birds and get out into nature as much as possible to observe, listen to, and photograph them—even if it’s just through my living room window!
I’ve been fascinated by birds for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I repeatedly checked out the Birds of Canada by Earl Godfrey from my school library to study and flip through all the colourful species pages. Their grace, beauty, and, ultimately, freedom to fly inspire me.
I had heard of the annual Birds Canada Birdathon through fellow birders who had participated in past years. In 2024, I was approached by “The Beasts of Birdin” team to see if I would be interested in participating. The decision was not difficult! Doing a “big day” was already on my bucket list, and to participate was not only an honour, but it was for an amazing cause – raising funds for the birds!
Michelle’s Birdathon Adventure. Photo: Michelle Schreder
Please describe your Birdathon experience! Where did you go birding, and what were some of the highlights from your day?
Michelle: The Birdathon objective for “The Beasts of Birdin” team was to observe as many bird species as possible in Alberta within 24 hours. I had previously challenged myself to do an Alberta “big year,” so I was up for the challenge to attack an Alberta “big day” head-on!
As mentioned, I participated in the Birds Canada Birdathon as part of a team of three, alongside fellow birding partners David Scott and Andy Ross.
Alberta is home to so many diverse ecosystems, which gave us amazing opportunities to explore different habitats for our bird target list. We started our “big day” at midnight up in the Cold Lake area to capitalize on as many of our boreal forest specialties as possible before heading south towards the parkland and grassland areas and then west towards the Rockies.
If I were to call out a highlight from that day, it was our team’s excitement and camaraderie. Each time a new species got checked off, we celebrated with high fives, and to see the effort made to ensure every member got on the bird or heard the bird was so honourable, qualities you want in a birding community.
Dusky Grouse. Photo: Neal Hutchinson
Another highlight was having fellow teammate Andy observe his long-awaited Alberta lifer, the Dusky Grouse – congrats again, Andy!
It was such a fun event! After covering over 1000 km in our amazing province, we observed 192 species of birds that day, breaking the team’s previous year’s total—so awesome!
How did you approach fundraising for Birdathon? What tools or strategies helped you engage friends and family to support your efforts?
Michelle: Simply talking to friends and family about the “big day” sparked interesting conversations around the cause. From there, support and funding followed easily! Our team also leaned on social media to spread awareness and updates on our progress throughout the day to generate excitement and motivation.
Birdathon fundraising supports conservation projects across Canada. Did participating in the 2024 Birdathon give you a new perspective on the importance of bird conservation?
Michelle: Yes, it is important to have projects like this to drive awareness of the state of habitat loss in our country and its negative impacts on bird populations. Participating in the cause is one step towards making a difference and saving our feathered friends.
What advice would you give to someone signing up for their first Birdathon? Do you have any tips on making the experience fun and successful?
Michelle: Do it; it is so worth it! Talk to everyone about the cause and share your experience following the event.
In preparation for your “big day,” plan your species target list and, if possible, scout your areas in advance. Time your event during peak migration to capitalize on all those wonderful Arctic migrants pushing through.
If you’re planning a “big day”, be strategic with your time, as you will be racing against the clock for 24 hours. Prep your meals and caffeine needs in advance, and bring all your supplies for the long journey ahead. Stopping for meals and coffee breaks will just eat away valuable “bird” time, which you cannot afford to lose. Focus on quantity vs. “rarities” and limit time for each observation.
If you miss a target, it’s okay. Stay positive and move on, as you may be rewarded with a species you weren’t even expecting—this happened in my experience.
Lastly, remember to have fun out there because, at the end of the day, it is all for the birds and saving precious habitats!
Michelle’s Birdathon story is an exceptional example of how Birdathon brings people together in different ways to celebrate and support bird conservation. There are plenty of ways to get involved, from “big days” like Michelle to a quiet morning on your favourite trail, alone or with company.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, Birdathon is an opportunity to connect with birds, enjoy time in nature, and make a difference. However you choose to participate, it’s all for the birds!