There’s something magical about birding. It’s the quiet thrill of scanning the horizon, the sudden rush when a rare species appears, and the shared joy of discovery among friends. For three young women from Switzerland, Michelle, Nathalie, and Olivia, birding is more than a hobby. It’s a passion, a science, and this September, it’s a race.
The Swiss Bird Race 2025 is not your average competition. It’s a 24-hour whirlwind of binoculars, bird calls, and camaraderie, where teams of three to four birders scour the country to spot as many bird species as possible. While tallying sightings, the teams also promote conservation. This year, every bird spotted helps raise funds for the charismatic and endangered Northern Lapwing, a species whose numbers have plummeted in Switzerland over the past decades. Thanks to targeted conservation efforts, the Lapwing is making a comeback, and the Bird Race plays a vital role in continuing that success.
Enter the Swiss Swaro Birderinnen, a newly formed all-female team supported by SWAROVSKI OPTIK. These three environmental engineers, Michelle Kobler, Nathalie Lienhard, and Olivia Maurer, bring not only scientific expertise but also infectious enthusiasm and a deep love for nature to the race. Their goal? To inspire others to join the Bird Race, celebrate the joy of birding, and maybe, just maybe, spot a Bearded Vulture along the way.
A Team Born of Curiosity and Connection
Michelle, Nathalie, and Olivia met during their environmental engineering studies and quickly bonded over their shared love for the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, climbing, or slacklining, they’re always chasing nature’s wonders. Birding became a natural extension of their interests, blending observation, ecology, and adventure.
In their humorous application video for the Bird Race, the trio joke about mistaking a European Stonechat for a Bearded Vulture. Proof that you need premium equipment to identify species with ease. Behind the laughter is a serious commitment to conservation and a genuine excitement for the challenge ahead.
“We’re not just birders,” says Michelle, who’s fascinated by kingfishers, owls, and grouse. “We’re explorers. Birding lets us connect with landscapes in a deeper way. It’s like reading nature’s diary.”
Olivia, who once interned at the Swiss Ornithological Institute, has a special connection to the Lapwing. “It’s my favorite bird,” she says. “Seeing it supported by this year’s Bird Race makes the event even more meaningful.”
And Nathalie? She sees herself in the Common Swift: fast, agile, and always in motion. “Birding is like music,” she says. “It has rhythm, surprises, and moments of pure harmony.”
“Birding is like music,” Nathalie says. “It has rhythm, surprises, and moments of pure harmony.”
The Joy of Birding Together
While birding can be a solitary pursuit, the Bird Race transforms it into a team sport. The joint quest for conservation by both Swiss teams, the male Swiss Swaro Birders and the female Swiss Swaro Birderinnen, exemplifies how collaboration enhances the experience. They coach each other, share tips on species identification, and swap stories from their favorite birding patches, from mountain riversides to quiet forest edges.
Their preferred gear? Binoculars, of course. All three women favor the flexibility and speed of our NL Pure series, which helps them spot birds quickly and accurately. “Good optics make a huge difference,” says Olivia. “It’s like switching from VHS to HD.”
The team received NL Pure binoculars, branded clothing, BSP bino suspenders pro, and an ATC spotting scope for the group, including a tripod, - all free of charge as a sponsorship from us at SWAROVSKI OPTIK. Before the Bird Race, the three engineers also enjoyed training, coaching, and support from the seasoned Swiss Swaro Birders team: Paul Walser, Adrian Jordi, Daniel Gebauer, and Manuel Schweizer.
Why You Should Join the Bird Race
The Swiss Bird Race isn’t just for experts. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you. The format is simple: gather a team, find sponsors who pledge donations per species spotted, and spend 24 hours immersed in nature. It’s a chance to learn, explore, and contribute to a vital cause. And it’s fun. Really fun.
“There’s a thrill in racing against time,” says Nathalie. “You’re constantly scanning, listening, moving. It’s like a treasure hunt with wings.”
Plus, the Bird Race fosters community. Teams share sightings, cheer each other on, and celebrate the diversity of Swiss birdlife. With over 400 species recorded in Switzerland, there’s always something new to discover. This year, the spotlight is on the Lapwing, a bird that symbolizes resilience and hope. By participating, you’re not just counting birds, you’re helping protect them.
Beyond seeing
AX Visio
Les jumelles AX Visio incarnent la symbiose parfaite de l’intelligence numérique et des optiques sportives performantes.
Ready to Take Flight?
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the wild, the call of a distant songbird, or the thrill of spotting something rare, this fall is your moment to shine. Join the Swiss Bird Race 2025 on September 6, 2025. Form a team, grab your binoculars, and dive into the world of feathers, flight, and friendship.
As Michelle, Nathalie, and Olivia would say: “Let’s go find that Bearded Vulture.”
Or be part of another bird counting event this fall, such as October Big Day taking place on October 11, 2025, during the Global Birding Weekend, October 10-12, 2025.
Intended Use
Garden birding
Birds are everywhere. You just need to find them.
Whether it’s a woodpecker drumming in your garden, a singing finch in a local park or a majestic eagle soaring over a protected area... Wouldn’t you want to take a closer look?
For these diverse settings, we recommend flexible optics that bring you joy wherever you are.
