Young Birder of the Year Contest

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ABA Young Birder of the Year Modules

There are a total of four modules that make up the contest to accommodate a broad range of interests in young birders. Winners are selected for each of the four modules in two age categories. In addition, there is an overall composite Young Birder of the Year category.

You do not have to participate in the overall Young Birder of the Year category to participate in the contest. For the overall category, the Field Notebook Module is required, and at least two other modules must be completed. You many participate in as many modules as you like.

The Modules are:

• Field Notebook Module. The Field Notebook Module entails taking field notes of birds that you observe in the field. You should be birding and taking notes at least once a week, preferably more. Your notes should be supplemented by detailed field sketches. In addition to the sketches, small reference photos are also acceptable. This module is intended to help you sharpen your bird observation and note-taking skills as well as learn more about bird distribution in your home area and places you visit. Taking good field notes will improve your overall birding skills, and good note taking requires you to look more closely at birds than you ever have before. It is no coincidence that virtually all of the world's best birders take meticulous field notes. The Field Notebook Module is required for the overall Young Birder of the Year.
   
• Illustration Module. The Bird Illustration Module involves drawing birds that you see or that interest you most. You should be regularly sketching birds, at least once a week, and completing a detailed drawing or painting of a bird at least once a month. Any illustrative media is acceptable and may include ink, pencil, colored pencil, paint, scratchboard or other media of your choice. Try to do a few drawings while you're watching a cooperative bird in the field or at bird feeders. You may also include illustrations of captive zoo or pet birds but your submission should include at least 50% wild, free-living birds. Drawings from the work of others is allowed also but should not comprise the entire module. Draw from life as much as possible.
   
• Writing Module. The Writing Module involves writing about birds, birders, birding, and your experiences therein. You should write at least once a month. Essays should be relatively short; no more than three pages. Write about your favorite birds, a favorite birding experience, an unexpected encounter or your thoughts on birding. Use your powers of observation and description to their fullest! Be creative in your word use and make your writing reflect your own personal thoughts. Read a variety of literary styles on birding and other subjects for examples and inspiration but be sure to develop your own voice and style. Non-fiction, fiction and poetry are acceptable, so be creative!
   
• Photography Module. Photos for this module may be either digital or on film. You should take photos at least twice a month, and select one favorite from each outing to consider for your portfolio. At least three of the five final images you submit must be of birds in the wild, including backyard and feeder birds. You may digiscope your subjects, but the focus of this module is on realistic quality and compositional photography. Some pieces may be treated for artistic style but the majority of your submissions should be realistic field captures of wild birds.
   

More detailed guidelines for each module will be provided when you register.

Young Birder of the Year Grand Prize. In order to compete in the Young Birder of the Year category, you need to participate in at least three of the modules (Field Notebook must be one of these).