Join BirdNote tomorrow, November 30th!
Illustrator David Sibley and actor H. Jon Benjamin will face off in the bird illustration battle of the century during BirdNote's Year-end Celebration and Auction!
Do you have a captivating story you'd love to share in front of a virtual audience of fellow bird lovers?
For 20 years, BirdNote has brought bird stories to life. Now, for the first time, we’re inviting you to take the mic at our Virtual Storytelling Hour!
In celebration of BirdNote’s 20th Anniversary Photography Contest, this special event will spotlight 5-7 minute Bird Photography Stories from BirdNote fans — real-life moments of awe, surprise, and transformation behind the lens. Whether it’s an unforgettable encounter, an unexpected challenge, or a once-in-a-lifetime shot, we want to hear your story.
Modeled after The Moth Radio Hour, BirdNote’s Storytelling Hour will feature true, first-person narratives designed to engage, entertain, and inspire.
How to participate:
- Submit your story pitch for consideration by Sunday, March 9th at 8pm PT / 11pm ET.
- If selected, meet virtually with a BirdNote team member for a 30-minute chat, the week of March 9th or 16th to review your story and sharpen your presentation.
- Share your story live at our virtual event on Wednesday, March 26th, at 12pm PT / 3pm ET — or pre-record it in advance.
Storytelling Guidelines
- True & Personal – Your story must be a firsthand experience. Tell us about something that happened to you while photographing birds.
- A Single Story, Not a Lecture – Focus on one compelling experience, not a list of tips or a general overview of bird photography.
- Engaging & Vivid – Bring your story to life with rich details. Transport the audience into the moment—what did you see, hear, feel?
- Has a Beginning, Middle, and End – Great stories have a clear arc: a setup, a turning point, and a resolution.
- Relatable & Emotional – Whether funny, thrilling, or heartwarming, your story should resonate on a personal level.
- 5–7 Minutes Long – Aim for a well-paced story that fits within this time frame when spoken aloud.
Story Examples
- The moment you finally captured the perfect shot after hours (or days) of waiting.
- A surprising or humorous encounter with a bird in the wild.
- A time when things didn’t go as planned—unexpected weather, technical mishaps, or wildlife surprises.
- A personal connection or lesson you learned through photographing birds.
- An experience that changed how you see birds, nature, or photography.
Submission Details
Deadline: Sunday, March 9th at 8pm PST / 11pm EST.
How to Submit: Complete the form here to pitch your story.
Selection Process: We will review all submissions and contact selected storytellers with more details to deliver their stories at BirdNote's Virtual Storytelling Hour or submit a pre-recorded story.
Ready to share your story? Submit your pitch today!
Greater Sage Grouse © M. Leonard Photography