MORRISON, Colo. — Amelie Anderson, a 12-year-old seventh grader from Morrison, has been named the 2026 American Birding Association’s Young Birder of the Year in the 10-to-13 age group, earning top recognition among young birders across the country for her work in field notebook, illustration, and photography.
The American Birding Association, known as the ABA, announced the honor Friday, also naming Mackenzie Hollender of Sacramento, California, as the winner in the 14-to-18 age group.
Amelie said the recognition caught her off guard.
“It was sort of unbelievable,” she said. “My mom showed me the emails. I was like, ‘What? They must have made a mistake. Like, what are you talking about?’ But it was really awesome.”
The ABA’s Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program, which began in 1998, was created to guide, encourage, and provide expert advice to birders between the ages of 10 and 18. Participants submit work across up to five modules — field notebook, illustration, photography, writing, and conservation and community leadership — and receive feedback from a panel of expert mentors who volunteer their time. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, as well as honorable mentions, are given out for individual modules, and an overall Young Birder of the Year is named for each age division…