An online resource for students of nature and the outdoors.
Birding Classic
The
Rites of Spring
Each spring a competition is held in Texas to determine which team can identify and count the most birds in a five day long event. Birding teams from all over the country flock to the coast of Texas to participate in the Great Texas Birding Classic. There is a youth category for those 8 -13, the Roughwings and for those 14 -18, the Gliders. Youth teams are made up of 3 - 5 birders and must choose a section of the coast to cover; upper, central or lower coast and which of 2 days they want to compete. Prizes are awarded to the winning teams.
Here's what you need to start preparing to compete:
binoculars (unless
they are landing right in front of you, binoculars help you see the birds)- field guide to birds (because you will need to look some of them up)
- small notepad or journal (you will want to keep a list, since that's what the contest is all about)
- a hat ( if you are lucky it will be sunny and 8 hours is a long time to hang out in the sun without a hat - if you aren't lucky, the hat may help a little)
Happy birding!
Additional
Information:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744