26th Annual Birding Classic

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

2022 official artwork by Stephanie Galla (Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks)

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!

Several first-time teams participated this year. 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.

This event was made possible by donations from event sponsors Toyota, the Texas Ornithological Society, Awards Ceremony sponsor Audubon Texas, and team registration fees and corporate and community team sponsorship. In 2022, $45,000 in Conservation Grants were made possible through Birding Classic funds raised. Check back at the end of the summer to see which projects were funded this year.

What is the Birding Classic? Who can join the fun?

While the registration period for the 2022 Birding Classic has closed and the event is underway, it's never to early to plan for next year!

• 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.

The 2022 event was made possible by donations from event sponsors Texas Ornithological Society and Toyota, 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 2023 event. Habitat conservation grants awarded are funded through event sponsorship and registration fees. The birds are counting on you!

How to Participate gives you a step-by-step guide to help you register and plan your tournament day.

Review all 2022 tournament rules here. Some tournament categories in 2022 were changed slightly, so go over the details for each tournament category to learn more about how each category works (length of time in the field, number of team members, dispersed vs. intact flock team rules, etc.).

Visit Tournament Advice and Sponsorship Tips for tips on mentoring youth teams, advice from former winners on how to run a successful Big Day tournament, and even advice on finding team sponsors to save you some money in registration fees.

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.  

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Thanks to all of the teams, youth mentors, event sponsors Texas Ornithological Society, Toyota and Swarovski Optik, and Awards Ceremonies sponsor Audubon Texas for making 2020 an outstanding success!

2020 Birding Classic Final Results