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Virginia Birding Big Day
What is this event?
In the spring of 2023, three New River Valley (NRV)-based birding clubs (the NRV Bird Club, the Bird Club at Virginia Tech, and the Blacksburg High School Birding Club) partnered together to host an event with the goal of spreading the joy of birds while raising money for conservation. This event combines public bird walks and a competition, where funds would be raised then sent directly to the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) brand new youth programs: the VSO Young Birders and the Virginia College Birding Initiative!
How do I participate?
The Big Day will be Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. Virginia birders may register a team to compete in one of several categories and will have from midnight to midnight to see as many species as possible.
To participate start by:
- Establishing a team that fits one of three categories: Standard, Youth or Club
- Registering your team within a competition area Registration – Virginia Birding Big Day
- There are no fees required for entry, though if your team chooses not to pursue pledges, they would appreciate a small donation from the team, which should be treated as a pledge
- Follow all rules and guidelines established for the competition Rules and Guidelines – Virginia Birding Big Day
What can I do at Fort Monroe?
If your team is registered in a Coastal Plains or Statewide competition area, then we encourage your team to come birding at Fort Monroe! While Fort Monroe Authority is not a partnering organization in this event, we are an excellent spot for birders, both new and experienced, to find many coastal migratory bird species.
Fort Monroe is open from 5am until midnight, and if you stop by the Visitor Center at 30 Ingalls Road between 9:30am – 4:30pm, the front desk staff will provide you a map with 5 birding HotSpots across Fort Monroe. A helpful tool to give you the greatest opportunity to see a diversity of bird species and increase your chances of winning! On the map will be a QR to submit your best bird picture of the day and the winner will receive a free behind the scenes tour for up to 6 people.
Never birded before? No problem!
While Fort Monroe Authority will not be leading a team during the Birding Big Day event, the National Park Service through Fort Monroe National Monument will have their monthly Bird Walk program on Friday, September 25th starting at the Visitor Center from 8:00am til 11:00am. Get some practice birding and explore the Fort Monroe landscape as a head start for Virginia Birding Big Day on Saturday, October 3rd.
For information about the event, the rules and how to register go to https://vabirdingbigday.org/