General
Q: What is Birdathon raising money for?
A: The funds raised through Birdathon 2025 are vital for sustaining Travis Audubon's operations. Every dollar donated will support inclusive environmental education, habitat management, and conservation advocacy.
Q: When is Birdathon?
A: Registration for Birdathon starts March 3rd, the Kickoff Party happens on March 30th, and the Birdathon trips and Birding Brawl will run from April 1st to May 11th. The Wrapup Party where we will announce the winners will take place on May 19th.
Q: How do I get a Birdathon pin?
A: Everyone who donates at least $10 to Birdathon is eligible to receive a limited-edition Birdathon 2025 pin. Birdathon trip and Birding Brawl registrations, as well as photo contest entries, are included as donations. You are able to pick up Birdathon pins at the March 30th Kickoff Party, our Flock Party Fridays, and our Wrapup Party on May 19th. Some trip leaders may have pins available for participants on the date of the trip.
Q: How do I create or join a team?
A: To create your own team, follow this step-by-step guide. To join an existing team, use this guide instead. If you're creating your own team, you can decide if you'd like to compete in Birding Brawl, run a fundraiser, or both!
Q: How do I create an individual fundraiser?
A: We have another step-by-step guide for you on creating an individual fundraiser. You'll find all the information you need here.
Birding Brawl
Q: What are the categories for this year's Birding Brawl?
A: This year, participants can compete for three main categories: Most Bird Species, Rarest Bird, and Most Funds Raised.
Winners will be broken down by type:
Most Bird Species - Solo Competitor
Most Bird Species - Team
Most Bird Species - Local Birding
Most Bird Species - Statewide Birding
Most Bird Species - Travelling (moving at one or more birding spots)
Most Bird Species - Stationary (Big Sit)
Most Bird Species - Stationary (Backyard Bird Count)
Most Bird Species - Half Day
Most Bird Species - Full Day
Rarest Bird - Solo Competitor
Rarest Bird - Team
Rarest Bird - Local Birding (Travis and adjacent counties)
Rarest Bird - Statewide Birding
Rarest Bird - Travelling (moving at one or more birding spots)
Rarest Bird - Stationary (Big Sit)
Rarest Bird - Stationary (Backyard Bird Count)
Rarest Bird - Half Day
Rarest Bird - Full Day
Most Funds Raised - Individual
Most Funds Raised - Team
Solo Competitors and Teams are eligible to win more than one category.
Q: What do Birding Brawl Competitors win?
A. Competitors will be recognized on our blog, newsletter, and social media, and will be invited to an exclusive winners-only trip to Pecan Springs Karst Preserve in Williamson County on May 31st led by esteemed ornithologist and TAS Board Member Rich Kostecke.
Q: When can I compete?
A: Birding Brawl events (ie. the date and time period you and/or your team select to go birding) must fall on or between April 1st and May 11th. Competitors do not need to pre-select a date but should include that information in their post-birding form.
Q: Can I use my Travis Audubon member portal credentials to register for Birdathon?
A: No, the member portal uses a different system than the Birdathon page. You will need to create a new login and password specifically for Birdathon.
Q: How do I ensure my Birding Brawl results are considered for the competition?
A: After you've completed your Birding Brawl event, please submit your post-birding form to be considered for the competition. Post-birding forms must be submitted by May 12th, 11:59 PM CT.
Q: Can I compete in the Birding Brawl more than once?
A: Yes! If you've already signed up for Birding Brawl but want to submit more than one birding event, please purchase the "Birding Brawl – extra entry" ticket at the bottom of the trip page.
Q: Does a Backyard Bird Count have to happen in my backyard?
A: To qualify for the Backyard Bird Count category for this competition, the count should occur within a 50-foot radius of your home. Other stationary bird counts (such as those at local parks or greenspaces) should be considered for the Big Sit category. Check out some tips for conducting a successful Big Sit courtesy of TPWD.
Q: Can I do the birding for my Birding Brawl during a Birdathon trip?
A: No. Birding that is done during Birdathon trips is not eligible for the Birding Brawl. However, if you are out of town for a Birdathon trip and want to do your Birding Brawl event while traveling to or from that Birdathon trip, that is permitted.
Q: Do I need to compete in the Birding Brawl to create a fundraising page for Birdathon?
A: No! We encourage everyone to create and share your own fundraising page to support this important fundraiser. Fundraisers who do not participate in the Birding Brawl are still eligible to win the categories for Most Funds Raised - Individual and Team.
Q: Can I still register for Birding Brawl after April 1st?
A: Yes! Registration for Birding Brawl is active through May 11th.
Birdathon Trips
Q: Can I register for more than one Birdathon trip?
A: Yes! You can register for as many Birdathon trips as you'd like.
Q: I can no longer attend a Birdathon trip that I signed up for. Can I receive a refund?
A: No, registration fees for Birdathon trips are not eligible for refunds but may be transferable to another Birdathon trip with available space. You can also transfer registration to another person to take your spot. Contact lisa@travisaudubon.org for assistance.
Q: I'm traveling out of town for my Birdathon trip. Does the cost of registration include lodging or meals?
A: No, the cost of registration does not include lodging or meals.
Q: My trip was cancelled by the trip coordinator. Can I receive a refund?
A: Yes. If your trip was cancelled and you'd like to receive a refund, please contact lisa@travisaudubon.org for assistance. If you do not request a refund within 30 days of event cancellation, the payment will be considered a donation.
Still have questions? Contact Lisa Ramie, Development Manager, at lisa@travisaudubon.org for assistance.
