Global Big Day 2017 took place last Saturday, May 13, and shattered all previous records!
Indeed, 19,117 observers from 150 countries spent the day marveling at thousands of bird species. Thanks to this enthusiasm, Global Big Day 2017 became the largest worldwide bird census ever conducted, with 6,593 bird species observed in just 24 hours! This event, organized by eBird and Cornell University, continues attracting more participants with each edition. In 2016, 16,000 enthusiasts contributed to the census. This year, 3,000 new participants helped record bird species—visually or by sound.
What started as an initiative to promote conservation through birdwatching has gradually evolved into a competition among the world’s top birding destinations.
So, who’s the grand champion this year? There’s been a change at the top! For this edition, Colombia emerged as the new leader, dethroning Peru, which has historically held the first-place position. Ecuador climbed to third place, earning the bronze medal ahead of Brazil.
Colombia, the world’s top birding destination and most biodiverse country for birds recorded an impressive 1,486 species. Ecuador wasn’t far behind, with 1,259 species. It’s worth repeating: these figures represent just 24 hours of observation! These numbers are remarkable compared to temperate countries.
The top nine countries on the list again were in the Americas in terms of species recorded. From Canada to Argentina, including Mexico and Ecuador, the Americas reaffirmed their position as the world’s top biodiversity hotspot for birding.
Our team recorded 59 species throughout the day in the provinces of Pichincha and Cotopaxi.
In the suburban areas of Quito, we had the opportunity to observe some iconic species such as the Sparkling Violetear, Slate-throated Redstart, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, and the striking Golden Grosbeak. In Cotopaxi Province, particularly around the Zumbahua Valley and the Quilotoa Crater, we spotted, heard, and photographed other emblematic high-Andean bird species, including the Aplomado Falcon, Streak-throated Canastero, Paramo Pipit, Grass Wren, and the stunning Black-tailed Trainbearer.
See You in May 2018 for the Next Global Big Day! Form your birding groups and participate in this grand ornithological event by logging your observations on the eBird platform. By fostering massive birdwatching efforts worldwide, we help raise conservation awareness. Additionally, we contribute to the accumulation of knowledge and the protection of ecosystems and species.
If you participated in this global event, share your observations and experiences on our Facebook page or in the comments below!
