The Great Texas Birding Classic

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27th Annual Birding Classic

The biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching tournament in the U.S.!

2023 artwork
2023 official artwork by F.P. Bennett (Black-and-white Warbler)

2023 Final Results
2023 Team Rosters

Tournament Dates: April 15 – May 15, 2023

2023 Conservation Grants

What is the Birding Classic?

  • All levels and ages of birders are welcome to join this Texas birdwatching event during the amazing spring migration.
  • There's a tournament category for everyone - from the beginning backyard birder to the competitive lister!
  • Registration fees raise money for Texas bird and birding conservation project grants.
  • Gather your team, register, and go birding - it's truly that simple.

How to Participate gives you a step-by-step guide to help you put together and enter your team.

Visit Tournament Advice and Sponsorship Tips for tips on mentoring youth teams, advice from former winners on how to run a successful Big Day or the Weeklong tournament, pointers on birding with blind or visually impaired birders, and even advice on finding team sponsors to save you some money in registration fees.

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The 2023 event was made possible by donations from event sponsors Texas Ornithological Society,  Toyota, Swarovski Optik, N.A., Awards Ceremony sponsor Audubon Texas, and team registration fees and corporate and community team sponsorship. Learn more if your organization is interested in sponsoring the 2024 event. Habitat conservation grants awarded are funded through event sponsorship and registration fees. The birds are counting on you!

Sign Up for Email Updates

Stay informed on Birding Classic registration deadlines, conservation grant proposal due dates, tips leading up to the big event, and more.

Have questions? Visit the contact section to talk directly to Birding Classic staff.  

Mission Statement

To increase appreciation, understanding, and conservation of birds through education, recreation, nature tourism, and conservation fundraising.

 

2022 Conservation Grant Recipients
2022 Final Tournament Results
2022 Official Team Roster

The 26th Annual Birding Classic had a record-breaking year with teams birding all over the state from April 15-May 15, 2022.

  • 187 teams registered!

  • 1,100 participants statewide!

  • 425 total species identified by teams!

We look forward to seeing you again next year! Be sure to check out the Birding Classic Facebook page to see photos from the field during the tournament.