COA: Big January

COA returns to the traditional format of a friendly competition based on the total number of species seen during the month of January 2026 within a specific area within our state. With a variety of categories, there is something for everyone from big listers to local birders. it’s a fun excuse to get out and explore in the midst of New England’s stick season. 

Proper birding ethics are required. Let’s remember to help each other and the birds. Winter is a tough time for birds, so let’s try to keep our distance and let them do their thing. 

2026 Categories:

The Winner in each of the following categories will win a prize and receive a Commemorative Certificate:

• Individual Birder with Highest Count Observed across Connecticut
• Individual Birder with Highest Count Observed per Connecticut county
• Individual with Highest Single Location Count (Requires Manual Reporting)

Receive a Commemorative Certificate from the COA for the following:

• Individuals who Observe* 100 Species or More
• Youth (ages 4-10) with 25 species or more
• Teen (ages 11-17) with 35 species or more

*Observed birds include both seen and heard only species

How to Participate:

 Species that qualify are those species that currently are accepted to the state list or are observations of birds during January that would represent first state records for Connecticut. Let’s hope we have some of those! The current list of species accepted for the state of Connecticut can be found here. .

For more details, check out the BIG JANUARY event page.