AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds of bird-watching fans will soon flock to the coasts, forests, prairies and mountains of Texas to compete in the nation’s biggest, longest and wildest bird-watching tournament.
The 28th annual Great Texas Birding Classic sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department runs from April 15 to May 15.
Participants in the statewide tournament will document different species of birds migrating through the Lone Star State this spring.
Last year, 1,100 birders joined the tournament and spotted 413 out of 666 documented avian species in Texas.
“The Birding Classic is a wonderful opportunity for bird-watching enthusiasts and all nature lovers to gather with family and friends to see how many bird species they can spot in a few hours, a full day, or even a few days in a row,” TPWD Nature Tourism Manager Shelly Plante said. “This is a fun event that anyone, regardless of their age or ability, will enjoy.”
Competitors can choose from a variety of categories to test their birding skills and can participate with a team or individually.
The 2023 event attracted a record-breaking 202 teams of birding buddies.
“On top of all the birds we saw, there was also a mama and baby javelina, desert cottontails and aoudad,” said Cassie Cox, member of team Girl Moss. “We all enjoyed getting out of the office and away from our to-do lists.”
The competition attracts avid birders and people who simply want to enjoy the outdoors.
“It was amazing to see the experienced birders on the team helping novices, by sharing their knowledge, letting them use their equipment and teaching them how to identify certain species,” said Kat Christensen, team member of The Woodlands Township, sponsored by Visit The Woodlands.
Registration fees and team sponsorships for the event raise money for birding and habitat conservation, restoration and enhancement grants throughout the state.
April 1 is the deadline to register at BirdingClassic.org.
