Iowa State University’s Birding Club is currently hosting its fourth annual Birding Campus Challenge. Previously established in 2022, the event has developed into a recurring activity for students, faculty and staff.
The event is an initiative aimed at promoting engagement with campus biodiversity.
“It was introduced in 2022, inspired by ‘patch listing,’ a method used to track birds within a specific area,” Kaylin Miklo, a senior in animal ecology and president of the ISU Birding Club, said. “The goal was to encourage a friendly bridging competition within the campus environment.”
The challenge started March 22 and goes until May 2. The event is also open to everyone on campus.
Teams will compete to identify as many bird species as possible within the university’s boundaries. To be counted, the participants must be on campus, though the birds may be located anywhere within visual or auditory range.
The ISU Birding Club, which organizes the challenge, provides year-round opportunities for students to engage with birdwatching. The club hosts guided bird walks and education workshops. Through these activities, the club aims to foster a community of birding enthusiasts while encouraging conservation efforts.
“The birding club is a laid-back club where people enjoy looking at animals,” Miklo said.
“I got into birding during my freshman year of college after seeing that there was a Birding Club,” Lydia Flinders, a senior in animal ecology, said. “I didn’t have an interest before that, but the club made it easy to get into it and enjoy it. The part I enjoy the most is seeing new species and being able to identify species after practicing.”
Mike Rentz, associate teaching professor in the Natural Resource Ecology and Management department and faculty advisor to the Birding Club, has overseen the challenge for several years.
“Initially, the competition was structured around separate categories for undergraduates, graduate students and faculty,” Rentz said. “This year, teams have been integrated to encourage collaboration across experience levels. As a result, rare bird sightings are now shared more openly within group discussions.”
The challenge has attracted participants from all over Iowa State. Miklo noted that participation this year has increased, with some individuals engaging in birding for the first time.
During the competition, participants utilize different strategies for their sightings, including early morning listening for bid calls and late-night observations of nocturnal species.
“A pair of binoculars familiar with bird calls are useful,” Rentz said. “Knowing key locations on campus where uncommon species have been recorded in previous years is also beneficial.”
The competition has different rules and regulations based on scoring. One point is awarded for each species observed within the designated area.
“My team’s strategy is to keep track of who is seeing what bird and recreating what they did to see specific species,” Flinders said. “Sharing information is key.”
Notable bird sightings have already occurred in this year’s challenge.
“While no especially rare species have been recorded so far, an American Woodcock has been observed,” Miklo said. “Also, a Carolina Wren, which is slightly out of its usual range, has been identified again.”
Beyond the competition, the event seeks to enhance awareness of biodiversity on campus while also promoting well-being.
“Studies indicate that birdwatching can have positive effects on mental health,” Miklo said. “Spending time outdoors, engaging with nature and connecting with others through shared interests contribute to a sense of community.”
Flinders said she is fairly new to participating in the birding event at Iowa State.
“This is my second year participating and it has made me go outside more and increase my birding knowledge,” Flinders said. “It’s been nothing but fun for me.”
As the challenge continues, there are currently 42 participants across 13 teams. The winning team will receive gift vouchers for nature-themed shirts from Raygun, a local business located in downtown Ames.
“We appreciate the support for the Ames community in this initiative,” Miklo said.
As spring migration continues, the Birding Campus Challenge remains active, offering participants the opportunity to observe seasonal changes in local bird populations while fostering a shared appreciation for wildlife on campus.
