Since 1997, teams of birders from across New York state and beyond have vied for trophies and raised conservation funds at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, one of New York's most exciting birding destinations. The Annual Montezuma Muckrace is a 24-hour birding competition that raises funds for bird conservation and environmental education programs in this birding hotspot that includes Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Birding teams can register in 1 of 7 categories and bird together to compete September 11 and 12 from 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday with the focus of finding and identifying as many bird species as possible.
Winning teams have identified as many as 148 species! September is a great time to enjoy birding at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, which has been designated as a globally significant Important Bird Area by Audubon New York and serves as a critical stopover for millions of migrating waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey, including threatened and endangered species. The 242-square mile Montezuma Focus Area, which was highlighted under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as critical migratory bird habitat, serves as the boundary for the Montezuma Muckrace.
This exciting birding event has increased in popularity and set records for the numbers of birders participating during each of the past 5 years. The Muckrace teams that raise the most money and locate the most bird species get their name engraved on custom-made trophies that are on display at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Event organizers include the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon New York, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The Montezuma Audubon Center, located near Savannah, serves as the event headquarters, with participants returning to the Center at the end of the Muckrace to compile their checklists, have a bite to eat, and enjoy recapping highlights of the day.
It's time to get your teams organized and sign up for this year's Muckrace, taking place Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12. Spread the word and invite friends who may be new to the event, and to get more information about how you can participate or contribute, refer to 2026 Muckrace | Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex