More than 80 of the state's top amateur and professional bird experts competed in last year s event and, for the third consecutive year, there will be a youth category. Last year, the 20 teams from throughout New York, from as far away as Buffalo and Long Island, tallied an impressive cumulative total of 176 species. Not only does it support large populations of several different bird taxa, but also more than a dozen state-listed species. The competition tests the abilities of birders while operating under sleep deprivation and the stress of keeping to a tight schedule of stops along a carefully planned route. But to many the challenge is irresistible.
Teams consist of three or more individuals who bird together throughout the day.
Prizes include gift certificates, memberships, bird guides, bird prints, and more. All participants will receive T-shirts. To have your team s name on the T-shirts, you must register before August 15. This year, in an effort to provide even greater support for conservation and research at the Complex, we are encouraging participants to seek pledges for each species they can find. Please consider the pledge process.