Event
The State Museum iNaturalist Birding Challenge
Take part in the South Carolina State Museum Birding Challenge on iNaturalist and help document the birds around you while contributing to real-world research.
The State Museum iNaturalist Birding Challenge
Event Date
Sat., March 21, 2026 - Fri., May 1, 2026
iNaturalist is a crowdsourced platform that allows individuals to share biodiversity observations while learning more about the plants and animals around them. These contributions support research and conservation efforts. Participate in the South Carolina State Museum Birding Challenge on iNaturalist and log your bird observations March 21st - May 1st.
What Is iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a free, platform that helps people document and learn about the natural world around them. By sharing observations of plants and animals, users contribute valuable data that supports scientific research, education, and conservation efforts worldwide.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, iNaturalist makes it easy to identify species, track what you see, and be part of a global community of nature enthusiasts.
How to Participate in the iNaturalist Challenge
Step 1: Download the iNaturalist App
The iNaturalist app is free and available on both major app stores:
You can also access iNaturalist on the web: https://www.inaturalist.org/
Step 2: Create a Free Account
Once downloaded, open the app and create a free account using your email address. This allows you to save observations, join projects, and track your contributions.
Step 3: Join the Museum’s Birding Project
Join the South Carolina State Museum Birding Challenge project on iNaturalist.
During the challenge period (March 21 - May 1), all bird observations submitted in South Carolina through iNaturalist will automatically be added to the Birding Challenge project. Observations will still be counted even if you choose not to join the project.
Step 4: Start Observing Birds
While outdoors, use the app to:
Take a photo or record a sound of a bird
Upload your observation with the date and location
Let iNaturalist help identify the species
Every observation adds to a growing record of biodiversity across South Carolina.
