2021 Tahoe Big Year - Year-long scavenger hunt for bird species

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it has never been more important for people to get outside and away from their screens. Spending time in nature has been shown to have countless health benefits. It can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, even while socially-distancing. Interaction with wild animals in their own habitat can boost one’s mood and decrease physical symptoms of stress, such as fatigue or difficulty sleeping. Some health care providers specifically encourage the pursuit of observing animals in nature for patients suffering from anxiety and depression. There’s one activity that brings all of those health benefits together, and best of all, it’s free and fun for all ages: birding.

In that spirit, the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is pleased to announce the 2021 “Tahoe Big Year” event. The year-long scavenger hunt invites people to scour the region for as many bird species as possible. Registering for this free event gives participants a platform to track all the bird species spotted throughout the year, while competing with other birding enthusiasts to see who can find the most species. However, the Tahoe Big Year is not strictly a competition. It is also a space for the entire community, from first timers to experts, to experience the Tahoe region’s diverse bird community.

“Birding is an activity uniquely situated to provide plentiful health benefits while conforming to the guidelines and restrictions of the pandemic itself,” says Will Richardson, executive director at TINS. “Recent research shows that life satisfaction is greater for those living in environments of higher biodiversity, and with over 300 bird species that have been recorded around Tahoe, there are a lot of birds to see. But this is really something anyone can do for fun no matter where they live.”

Participants have access to expertise and advice from TINS staff and each other through monthly virtual get-togethers, presentations, and other learning opportunities. Past Big Years have greatly strengthened Tahoe’s birding community, and TINS hopes to make the 2021 edition as social as possible through these virtual events, birding list-servers, and the Tahoe Birding Facebook group.

The event is open to anyone, though those who become TINS members (starting at $35/year) will enjoy additional perks during the Big Year. For example, TINS members who have logged at least one bird species each month are eligible for a monthly prize drawing. Generously-donated items such as Patagonia fleece and down jackets, hats, and field guides will come in handy for Tahoe’s nature lovers in every season.

To register and dive into birding with both feet, or to learn more about the Tahoe Big Year, visit tahoebigyear.org.