AUSTIN — Famous for being the biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching tournament in the country, this year’s Great Texas Birding Classic raised $45,000 for projects to benefit birds and other wildlife. Celebrating its 26th year, the tournament has raised $1.1 million for on-the-ground conservation work to acquire, restore and enhance wildlife habitat.
More than 1,000 Texans from across the state participated in the all-ages competition to watch and listen for as many species of birds as possible.
“The Great Texas Birding Classic takes place during the spectacular spring migration and this year did not disappoint,” said Shelly Plante, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Nature Tourism Manager. “Participants spotted a record 425 species of birds. The tournament gives people a fun way to spend time outside while raising money for a good cause.”
Youth team mentor Nicole Biggerstaff said, “We were so impressed with the kids’ ability to focus and identify birds. They were completely loving it. I really feel we’ve ignited a love for nature, the outdoors and birding in these young kids’ lives!”
Winning Birding Classic teams get to select which projects to fund. The following is a list of this year’s conservation grants awarded throughout Texas:
CENTRAL TEXAS
$5,000 Intact Flock Lower Texas Coast Big Day Conservation Grant – Selected by Parking Lot Birders
Project: Kerrville Bird Observatory Network – submitted by Schreiner University, City of Kerrville, Riverside Nature Center, Nobilitea, Texan by Nature
Project Location: Kerrville, Kerr County
$5,000 State Park Conservation Grant – Selected by Armadillo by Morning
Project: Prairie Preservation, submitted by Mother Neff State Park Association
Project Location: Mother Neff State Park, west of Moody, Coryell County
$1,000 Heart of Texas East Big Sit! Conservation Grant – Selected by Birding on Broadmeade
Project: Enhancing Circle Acres Nature Preserve Grassland and Wetland Habitats – submitted
