Artwork of a Belted Kingfisher is featured as this year’s T-shirt logo for the Great Texas Birding Classic (photo by Paul Konrad).

Registration is now open for the 25th Great Texas Birding Classic, although this popular event may look a little different from past spring Classics due to pandemic concerns. There may be more virtual gatherings than in-person meetings, but there should be something for everyone who participates. Gather friends, family, fellow birding club members, even colleagues to join your team for the Great Texas Birding Classic by the April 1st deadline, and enjoy the planning and preparation phases of participating between now and then.

The actual birding date is your choice between April 15 through May 15; it’s your team’s choice of which day is best. Novice birders, expert listers, and everyone in between are welcome to register, and there are many categories to choose from based on your birding ability and the region of the state you choose to participate in. There are half-day or full-day tournaments, and categories with team members scattered across the state or region, as well as categories for teams of people who have been quarantining together - there’s something for everyone!

Participants receive T-shirts with the official 2021 artwork of a Belted Kingfisher by Christina Baal. Registration fees and sponsorship dollars are used for Conservation Grants that are awarded for projects that improve birding, nature tourism, and habitat restoration and enhancement throughout Texas. Some winning teams will help choose which projects are funded.

To learn about the Classic’s varied categories, see https://tpwd.texas.gov/events/great-texas-birding-classic/tournament-categories-1

For information about the Classic’s participation rules, see https://tpwd.texas.gov/events/great-texas-birding-classic/rules-and-registration/rules-and-regulations

To read about the Individual or Sponsored registration options for the Classic, see https://tpwd.texas.gov/events/great-texas-birding-classic/rules-and-registration/registration-fees Registration is now open for this year's Great Texas Birding Classic through April 1st.