The Golden-winged Warbler is the ABA Bird of the Year (photo by Ani Stinnissen). Congratulations to Anna Reichenbach from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, who is the Young Birder of the Year in the 14 to 18 age group. Likewise, congratulations to Chirs Henry from San Jose, California, who is the Young Birder of the Year in the 10 to 13 age group.

The American Birding Association is celebrating the winners of the Young Birders of the Year, including Chirs Henry from San Jose, California, who is the winner in the 10 to 13 age group, and Anna Reichenbach from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, who took top honors in the 14 to 18 age group! Congratulations to both of these young birders who participated in the ABA’s Mentoring Program that helps young birders improve their skills in 5 categories: Field Notebook, Conservation & Community, Writing, Photography, and Illustration. In addition to Anna and Chris, many other young birders participated this year, all of whom made great strides in learning more about birds and birding techniques.

Winner in the 10 to 13 age group, Chirs Henry shared a short description of his birding interests: “When I first started birding, I didn’t know any other kids who liked birds. I felt kind of disconnected. Joining the Young Birder Mentoring Program gave me more knowledge about birds and I met so many great birders over Slack. It’s really cool to hear the things that my birding peers are doing and learn from the mentors that are farther along in their birding journeys.” You can also see some examples of Chris’ interesting field notes and a video he made.

Anna Reichenbach is the winner in the 14 to 18 age group, and Anna shared: “In a short time, I have had many impactful experiences that led me to The Young Birder of the Year Mentorship Program. I joined to grow in my skills as a birder, artist, and photographer, as well as to meet other teenagers who share my passion for birds. This program has been an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow my skills and experience, and document what I am seeing during my growth in the field of ornithology.” You can see some of Anna’s artwork and field notes too, at the ABA internet link below.

You can see more information about Anna, Chris, and many other young birders who were enrolled in the Mentoring Program at 2024 ABA Young Birders of The Year - American Birding Association

The American Birding Association’s Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program was created in 1998 to guide, encourage, and provide expert advice that aids in developing the skills and talents of birders between the ages of 10 and 18. The program has an impressive track record of influencing up-and-coming leaders in the birding community, and you can check out previous winners including photographs on the All-Time Young Birders of the Year page Zeiss Sports Optics is the generous sponsor of the ABA Young Birders of the Year Mentoring Program.