Program: Birding Big Day contest, 24 hours from Midnight to Midnight Saturday, Oct. 10

Leader: On your own (with at least one other person).

Register your teach by Oct. 5 by emailing mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org

World Migratory Bird Day occurs twice every year on the second Saturday of May and October. The emphasis is on using citizen science to document essential observations of birds during the fall migration. “By encouraging people to gather observations from across migratory routes, we can build a clearer picture of the “story of the flyways,” emphasizing connectivity, international collaboration, and our collective responsibility.”

Tampa Audubon is excited to announce an Inter-Chapter Audubon Birding Competition

Rules

The goal of this competition is to encourage friendly participation, teamwork, birding enthusiasm and raise money for conservation. Chapters in West Central Florida (Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties) are invited to join the contest.

1. Purpose

This event is designed to promote birding, chapter engagement, and collaboration among members through a friendly competition to see the most birds during the event period.

2. Team Participation

In the spirit of team building, collaboration, and shared participation Tampa Audubon Society (TAS) is organizing teams to count birds in the “West Central Florida” competition area.

3. Team Structure

Teams can create their own team’s name and logo. Teams will have a “Team Leader” to organize the team’s efforts. Teams will have a minimum of two members. Team members do not have to participate the entire day, members can come and leave as desired. In the spirit of teamwork, at least two members should be counting at any count time.

5. Counting Birds

The competition and prizes are for

• The most species of birds observed on the count day.

• The most imaginative team building participation. (shirts, team name, adornments, mottos, flags, use your imagination!).

6. Observation Rules

• Observations must be made during the 24-hour period of World Migratory Bird Day (October 10, 2026).

• Teams must submit their observations using eBird. Share the checklist with Tampa Audubon

• Birds can be counted either by sight or hearing. Rare birds should be well documented, preferably with either photos or a Merlin recording.

• Birds must be seen from the shore in the count area (i.e., boating out into the Gulf will not count but birds seen from the beach will).

7. Honor System and Verification

Participants are expected to follow the honor system and record sightings honestly.

8. Inclusivity and Fun

The competition should remain friendly, welcoming, and accessible to birders of all levels of experience. The emphasis should be on participation, learning, and chapter camaraderie as much as on winning.

9. Prizes

The top team members all receive a Tampa Audubon Society hat and tote bag. Additional benefits include bragging rights for one year and an increased awareness and understanding of scientific issues, as well as the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that can influence environmental policies and practices. Additionally, it fosters community engagement and enhances science literacy among

participants. Tampa Audubon will publish your account in the newsletter.

For more information, click here.