Two anchor dates to join PatchBird in 2026

PatchBird Surveys have always been about flexibility. You choose when to survey, and how deeply you want to be involved. That will not change. In 2026, however, we are introducing two optional anchor dates – simple opportunities to take part without committing to regular surveys.

17–18 January: PatchBird Midwinter Counts

Midwinter is one of the most informative periods for bird monitoring. Birds are settled, movement is limited, and a short, standardised count can reveal a great deal about wintering communities.

During the PatchBird Midwinter Counts, you can:

• Pick any PatchBird grid that suits you (either your already adopted grid corner or brand new one(s);

• Carry out a single 15-minute stationary survey;

• Submit your checklist via eBird as usual.

That’s it. No follow-up required unless you want to do more. For some, this may be the first step towards adopting a grid – for others, simply a one-off contribution to a growing winter archive.

9 May: PatchBird meets Global Big Day

On Global Big Day, birders around the world are already in the field. PatchBird invites you to turn part of that effort into structured, comparable data by surveying a PatchBird grid while you are out birding.

If you are travelling, exploring new areas, or visiting less-surveyed places, a single PatchBird count can help fill important gaps in coverage — especially when repeated year after year.

Why fixed dates at all?

While PatchBird data are collected year-round, shared dates create something extra:a collective snapshot in time.

Even when surveyors change, fixed locations and consistent methods allow patterns to emerge slowly – changes in presence, abundance, and distribution that would otherwise remain invisible.

No pressure. Just participation.

These dates are:

• Optional

• Open to everyone

• Designed for one-off participation

If an area in your neighbourhood captures your interest, we create the potential UTM location for you in eBird. I you decide to return, after these days, you are welcome to do so. If not, your single survey still matters. Sometimes, one visit is all it takes to discover a place worth watching.

Join PatchBird

More information on our website.