30th Annual Birding Classic

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

2026 official artwork by Raylee Schobel (American Oystercatchers with pearl)

2026 Registration opens January 2026. Until then, enjoy this early reveal of the 30th anniversary artwork by Birding Classic participant and artist, Raylee Schobel.

Upcoming Tournament Dates: April 15 – May 15, 2026

What is the Birding Classic?

The Great Texas Birding Classic is a major birdwatching tournament held each spring (April 15–May 15) that supports conservation efforts in Texas. Organized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the event features various categories for all ages and skill levels to identify and count as many bird species as possible, with registration fees funding bird conservation and habitat projects. 

Who Participates?

• 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 teams a step-by-step guide to help them put together and enter a 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.

2025 Final Results (updated June 7, 2025)
2025 Team Rosters by Tournament Category
2025 Conservation Grant Projects Funded

The 2025 Great Texas Birding Classic occurred April 15-May 15, and 226 teams made up of more than 1,300 birders and naturalists participated throughout the state in various tournament categories all month. Final results were announced at the June 7 Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Audubon Texas, and winning teams have selected $60,000 in bird conservation and birding projects to be funded this year.

The 2025 event was made possible by donations from event sponsors Texas Ornithological Society,  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 2026 event. Habitat conservation grants awarded are funded through event sponsorship and registration fees. The birds are counting on you!

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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.