Discover Alabama’s Bird of the Year on Feb 1

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Calling all bird lovers! Alabama Audubon is gearing up to announce the highly anticipated ‘Bird of the Year’ at its third annual fundraiser.

With over 450 bird species in Alabama, one bird distinguished by recent conservation achievements will be awarded the title of Bird of the Year. Last year, the Snowy Plover took home the honor.

Keep reading for all the exciting details and how to get your tickets for the 2026 Bird of the Year Fundraiser on Sunday, February 1.

Know before you go: Bird of the Year 2026

• Where: Back Forty Beer Company, 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
• When: Sunday, Feb 1, 4-7PM
• Free parking + ADA-accessible building
• Tickets
  • 1 ticket: $60 (two complimentary drinks included)
  • 2 tickets: $100 (two complimentary drinks per person included)

Support artists, enjoy drinks + more

Along with delicious food—including vegetarian options—and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, you’ll also have the chance to take part in a silent auction and support artists.

Following the reveal, the Bird of the Year will be celebrated in an original artwork by Val Webb, an artist with 25 years of experience carving and painting birds, insects and botanicals into bas-relief clay murals. The piece will be available for auction.

You can also bid on:

• Exclusive bird-themed auction items, such as private bird walks with staff + Executive Director, Scot Duncan
• Campsite spots, swag bags, Raptor Meet & Greet + more

Alabama Audubon will also be awarding their second annual Avian Ally award to an organization or person that went above and beyond to help protect Alabama’s birds over the last year.

Who will be the Bird of the Year? We have a hint

The Bird of the Year program selects a native Alabama bird species that is directly benefiting from Alabama Audubon’s conservation initiatives.

One area where Alabama Audubon has been active—and has seen meaningful progress—is Alabama’s Black Belt Region. The Black Belt Birding Festival takes place on the first weekend in August. It highlights the birds, history and heritage of the region.

“This year’s Bird of the Year will come from the Black Belt region. Conservation work is restoring grasslands and prairies that are found nowhere else in the state, creating vital habitat for native birds to return. This is our second winter of banding birds like sparrows to see if they are returning to specific areas of the Black Belt—and they seemingly are. Many bird species depend on the Black Belt for survival, especially during the winter months. In the summer, Mississippi Kites nest there and rely on the grasslands for food.”

Allison Ciamarra, Communications Coordinator at Alabama Audubon

Proceeds from the 2026 Bird of the Year Fundraiser will directly support Alabama Audubon’s mission to protect birds while expanding education and conservation initiatives across the Black Belt and beyond—get your tickets here.

Why support Alabama Audubon?

Since 1927, Alabama Audubon has worked to conserve bird habitats and foster meaningful connections to the natural world, protecting both birds and the people who cherish them.

We announced in August 2025 that Alabama Audubon recently took over management of Alabama Coastal BirdFest. The festival connects participants of all ages and experience levels to the rich birdlife of lower Alabama through field trips, workshops and educational seminars.

When you support Alabama Audubon, you support:

• Black Belt Birding Initiative
• Banding studies
• Birding for beginner courses
• Coastal Stewardship
• Project Safe Flight ( prevents bird window strikes)
• Travel opportunities
• Walter F. Coxe Research Grants

+More!

If you’d like to donate to Alabama Audubon’s mission, click here.

Fly with a great cause and get your tickets to Alabama Audubon’s 2026 Bird of the Year Fundraiser today!

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