It’s that time of year again when people around the world join together to watch birds as they celebrate Global Big Day.
Held the second Saturday in May, this year’s Global Big Day on May 10, 2025 invites everyone who enjoys looking at birds to join in; there’s no cost.
And you don’t need binoculars.
You can watch birds for 5 to 10 minutes in your yard, a neighborhood park, or anywhere you happen to be. Or spend a couple hours at your favorite nature area, lake, or wetland.
Report what you find on eBird, a free online bird checklist program. You can even share photos of the birds you find!
About Global Big Day
You don’t have to be an experienced birdwatcher (or birder) to participate and share the birds you see on May 10, 2025.
Global Big Day starts at midnight in your local time zone and ends at midnight. If you’re the type of person interested in owls or other night-time birds, you can start birding at 1 in the morning. (I’m planning to be asleep at that time!)
Sign up for a free eBird account so you can submit your bird observations. eBird has a helpful guide and tips for how to participate.
My Plans for Global Big Day
I’ll be participating in southeast Michigan and possibly in northwest Ohio. It’s one of my favorite birding days.
Global Big Day this year falls on the same day as our local plant swap. I’ll be taking some time out from birding to share native plants at the swap.
Hope you consider participating in Global Big Day! It’s a lot of fun to find and hear birds as well as meet fellow birdwatchers.
