When we count a bird, it's not just a number, it's a story that unites the entire world.

Global Big Day: a celebration without borders.

Every year, on a very special day at the peak of migration, something truly magical happens. In the forests, wetlands, mountains, and cities across the planet, thousands of people grab their binoculars, charge their cameras, lace up their boots, and head out to meet the birds. The mission? To take part in Global Big Day not a competition, but a joyful and powerful invitation to observe, record, and share the birds around us, while contributing to science and conservation.

For Colombia, this day holds an even more special meaning. Because not only are we the country with the most bird species in the world (over 1,960 and counting!), but we’ve embraced Global Big Day as a chance to show the planet our natural treasures… and the wonderful communities that care for them with so much love. Year after year, Colombia shines brightly in this global event, not just because of the number of species recorded, but because of the spirit and unity it sparks throughout the country.

But I want to make this very clear Global Big Day is not a competition.It’s a worldwide party for nature lovers, where every checklist matters and every person — whether spotting their first hummingbird from their window or their hundredth tanager deep in the Andes — is part of something much bigger. It's about collaboration, not rivalry, and maybe that's why it feels so special.

What is Global Big Day?

Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Global Big Day invites people all over the world to go birding and submit their observations on the free platform eBird. The idea is simple: for 24 hours, anyone, anywhere, can contribute their sightings and help scientists better understand bird populations, migrations, and conservation needs.

It started in 2015 as an experiment to see if the world would respond… and it did! From that first edition until now, Global Big Day has grown into a movement. In 2023, over 58,000 people from 200 countries participated, reporting more than 7,600 species. That’s nearly three-quarters of all the birds on the planet documented in just one day!

And every year, Colombia's birding community goes all in. Driven by love for their feathered neighbors and pride in their country’s biodiversity, Colombians have consistently led in the number of species recorded. But again, it’s not about beating anyone. It’s about celebrating the incredible diversity of birds we share… and inspiring action to protect them.

Why birds? Why is this day so important?

Birds have a special gift: they connect people. They're everywhere — in our gardens, parks, forests, and skies — and they link ecosystems across continents. A warbler singing in Canada might spend its winter in Colombia’s coffee farms. A swallow nesting in Europe crosses Africa before returning home. When we watch birds, we’re reminded that we share this planet… and the responsibility to care for it.

Global Big Day harnesses this universal connection. It turns a personal hobby into a global cause. Every record feeds into a giant database that helps researchers and conservationists track changes in bird populations. That information guides public policy, protects habitats, and raises alarms about species in trouble.

But beyond science, there’s the human side. Communities come together for bird walks, schools get kids involved in their first birding adventures, and strangers connect over a shared sighting. There are laughs, excitement, and sometimes tears of joy when a rare bird appears. In Colombia, I’ve seen entire villages swell with pride as they participate, knowing their contribution counts in something that transcends borders.

Colombia: A birding paradise leading the celebration

Now, let’s talk about why Colombia plays such a big role in this celebration. Our country, with its Andean peaks, Amazonian jungles, tropical coasts, and unique dry forests, is home to more bird species than anywhere else on Earth. From the brilliant hummingbirds of dry forests to the multicolored tanagers in the Andes, every corner contributes its winged jewels.

But what truly makes Global Big Day in Colombia truly special is its people. Across the country, bird clubs, Indigenous communities, rural guides, and conservation groups mobilize with passion. They rise before dawn, prepare their gear, and head into the field not just to count birds, but to share their love for nature.

In the coffee regions, children join their parents on morning walks, amazed by toucanets and colorful tanagers. In the Amazon, Indigenous leaders guide outings that blend ancestral knowledge with modern science. On the Pacific coast, Afro-Colombian communities record the migratory birds resting in their mangroves.

Each observation, each checklist, is a story. A celebration of Colombia’s natural and cultural richness.

It’s not about numbers, it’s about connection

Yes, Colombia often records the highest number of species on Global Big Day. But remember: this isn’t a race. It’s a citizen science exercise. The heart of the event isn’t in the final tally but in the thousands of moments of wonder and the collective data gathered around the world.

Maybe it’s the sparkle in a child’s eyes seeing their first Andean Motmot. Maybe it’s a grandparent recalling the birds they heard in their youth. Or a group of friends laughing as they climb a trail, binoculars around their necks, hoping to spot an elusive endemic.

The beauty of Global Big Day all is that every contribution counts. Whether you see one bird or a hundred, whether you’re deep in the jungle or watching from your apartment window — you are part of the celebration. Birds know no borders, and neither does this event.

How can you join the party?

Participating in Global Big Day is easy and fun. All you need is a little curiosity and a lot of love for nature. Here’s how you can join:

1. Choose your spot it could be your garden, a nearby park, a forest, or your balcony. Some enthusiasts even plan routes across various ecosystems with organized groups.
2. Look and listen — note the birds you see or hear.
3. Submit your sightings — use the free eBird app or website.
4. Share the joy tell your friends, post photos, invite others to join.

No experience? No problem! Global Big Day welcomes beginners and experts alike. Every sighting, big or small, helps paint a more complete picture of the world’s birds.

And if you want to take your birding experience to the next level during the Global Big Day, I highly recommend getting a good field guide. While the Merlin app is an incredible companion for identifying birds on the go, having a physical guide lets you dive deeper into the details, compare species side by side, and truly connect with the amazing diversity around you. A fantastic option is the Birds of Colombia field guide de by Ensifera Nature,available in both English and Spanish, making it perfect for birders of all levels. Plus, the regional guides focused on the Andes, the Amazon, or western Colombia are fantastic tools that can help you fine-tune your identifications and better appreciate the subtle variations among species across different ecosystems. With these guides in your backpack and Merlin on your phone, you’ll be ready to explore the full richness of Colombia's birdlife — and as a bonus, you can also learn about the country’s mammals with Colombia's very first illustrated mammal guide..

A tradition that grows every year

One of the most beautiful things about Global Big Day is how it inspires new generations. In Colombia, I’ve seen kids who joined their first outing out of curiosity and are now passionate birders and nature advocates. Communities that once saw birds as mere decoration now recognize them as symbols of pride, development, and hope.

And every year, the event grows. More people join, more regions participate, and the stories multiply. It’s a reminder that when we come together — across languages, cultures, and distances — we can achieve wonderful things.

An invitation from the heart

So whether you’re in Colombia or any corner of the world, I invite you to join this beautiful celebration. Let’s make Global Big Day a day where joy, connection, and love for birds soar high.

If you want to learn more about Colombia’s birds and how to participate, I invite you to follow Asherita on YouTube and watch the series about eBird and Merlin linked here. Let’s make a difference — not just on Global Big Day, but every day. todos los días.

Let’s step outside, look up to the sky, and let the birds remind us of the wonder and unity that nature gives us. Tag me on social media so I can see where you’re celebrating GBD from!

Every bird we count is a shared story, every smile a bridge that connects us!