2026 Birdathon prizes

Birdathon prizes are a fun way to recognize the people and teams helping raise support for SCV Bird Alliance’s education, outreach, and conservation work.

Be sure to register

Winners will be recognized at Birdathon Awards Night on May 30, 2026, from 5–7 PM at McClellan Ranch.

Prize categories

Top fundraising team
Tour of Beauregard Vineyards with a wine tasting experience awarded to the team with the highest fundraising total.

Top individual fundraiser
Awarded to the individual participant with the highest fundraising total.

Youth birder award (under 18)
Awarded to an outstanding youth participant under age 18.

Rarity award
Awarded to the team or individual that documents a notable rarity during Birdathon.

Species count award
Awarded to the team with the highest total species count.

Photography award
Awarded for the best Birdathon bird or team photo.

How winners are selected

The Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser awards are based on donations received through the official Birdathon donation pages or submitted directly to the SCV Bird Alliance office by May 10, 2026.

The Rarity Award, Species Count Award, and Photography Award are based on submitted team reports, including species totals, photos, and short summaries from the event.

The Youth Birder Award (under 18) is selected from participating youth birders based on participation and Birdathon submissions.

Claiming prizes

Prize winners will be announced at Birdathon Awards Night. Winners who cannot attend will be contacted after the event.

Please read the Rules & Guidelines for more information.

Prize sponsors

We wish to extend our thanks to the local businesses, artists, organizations, and community members who generously donated prizes and services in support of SCV Bird Alliance’s 2026 Spring Birdathon. Their support helps make Birdathon a fun and meaningful event for participants while supporting SCVBA’s education, outreach, and conservation programs.

2026 Prize List:

Birding equipment

  • Zeiss — Terra ED 10x42 binoculars. Among the best binoculars in the world. German design.

  • Opticron USA — Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x32 binoculars. A clear upgrade from the beginner's set, these would make a great gift for the new birder on your holiday list.

  • Kowa Sporting Optics — BDII42-10xD 10x42 binoculars. High-end binoculars for advanced birders. Quality lenses and higher power provides crystal clear views in even low-light conditions.

  • Kowa Sporting Optics — Genesis 33 8x33 binoculars. These are high-end binoculars for the serious birder. Waterproof, nitrogen purged, and crystal clear.

  • BOSMA USA — 302B07 8x42 binoculars. High quality optics with a bright and crisp image.

  • BOSMA USA — 302B08 10x42 binoculars. High quality optics with a bright and crisp image.

Experiences

  • Kat Black Equine at Los Gatos Farms — 60-minute horse riding lesson with expert equestrian instruction.

  • Alvaro’s Adventures — Two seats on a Half Moon Bay or Monterey pelagic birding trip. Consult Alvaro’s website for possible dates. Registration is handled through AlvarosAdventures.com. Matthew Dodder spots on many of the summer trips.

  • California Academy of Sciences tour with Bob Hirt — Meet SCVBA Board member Bob Hirt for a personalized tour of the California Academy of Sciences. Bob will delight you with stories and humor as he escorts you through one of his favorite places on earth. Not to be missed.

  • Vivek Khanzode Photography — One-on-one bird photography or bird photo processing session with expert photographer and SCVBA Board President Vivek Khanzode.

  • World International Vacation Club — One-week stay at select resort locations, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Rosarito Beach in Mexico, Palm Desert, CA, Kissimmee, FL, and Villacanas, Spain. Holiday blackout periods and surcharges may apply.

Classes

Artwork and gift items

  • Jack Cole — Handcrafted duck carving.

  • Los Gatos Birdwatcher — Bird-themed gift basket including socks, note pad, dish cloths, cooling neck bands, raptor bandana, Pileated Woodpecker wall banner, Yellow-billed Magpie sticker, “Life is Simple” T-shirt, Black-crowned Night Heron wall decal, and bird-safe cotton nesting ball ($150 value).

  • SCV Bird Alliance — $25 gift certificate to the Nature Shop.

  • Floy Zittin — Bird note cards by longtime SCVBA field trip leader and Bay Area artist Floy Zittin.

Wine and spirits

  • Beauregard Vineyards — Two bottles Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • 10th Street Distillery — Private whisky tasting and distillery tour experiences for 2 people ($120 value). Enjoy 10th Street Single Malt and Blend whiskies paired with small bites that highlight the subtle flavor notes of each pour.

  • 10th Street Distillery — Private whisky tasting and distillery tour experiences for 4 people ($240 value). Enjoy 10th Street Single Malt and Blend whiskies paired with small bites that highlight the subtle flavor notes of each pour.