October is right around the corner, and that means its time to mark your calendars for October Big Day—11 Oct 2025! Like Global Big Day, October Big Day is an opportunity to unite around our shared love of birds. Last October, nearly three quarters of a million people joined in this worldwide celebration.

Wherever you are on 11 October, take a few minutes to enjoy birds and share what you find on eBird. Participate from anywhere—even from home! By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.

Plan for your October Big Day

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, October Big Day is the perfect opportunity to contribute to participatory science, enjoy nature, and connect with a global community of bird lovers. With two months left to the big day, here’s how you can prepare for the celebration:

• Take the free eBird Essentials course for an introduction to eBird or learn how to make your checklists more valuable for science and conservation,
• Use eBird Mobile Explore to plan your route by locating nearby places to go birding and recently reported species.
• Explore Birds of the World to discover new things about your favorite species.
• Download the free Merlin Bird ID app to help you to identify the birds you see and hear on October Big Day. Upload your recordings to your eBird checklists to help Merlin identify more birds by sound.