October Big Day Info and Rules

October Big Day Contest​

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026

Tampa Audubon is excited to announce an Inter-Chapter Audubon Birding Competition!

We're celebrating​ World Migratory Bird

Day with a friendly birding competition Oct. 10.

On this day, people from all over West Central Florida will gather to count as many species of birds as they can during 24 hours.

As a participant, you can create a team, join a team or let Tampa Audubon assign you to a team. Anyone in the following counties can join or form a team: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Manatee & Polk. It only takes two people to form a team, and you don't have to bird for the full 24 hours! 

For more information, contact: mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org. 

World Migratory Bird Day occurs twice every year on the second Saturday of May and

October. The emphasis is on using citizen science to document essential observations of

birds during the fall migration. “By encouraging people to gather observations from across

migratory routes, we can build a clearer picture of the “story of the flyways,” emphasizing

connectivity, international collaboration, and our collective responsibility.”[1]

1. Goal

The goal of this competition is to encourage friendly participation, teamwork and birding

enthusiasm. Teams in West Central Florida (Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties) are invited to join the contest.

2. Purpose

This event is designed to promote birding, chapter engagement, and collaboration among

members through a friendly competition to see the most birds during the event period.

3. Team Participation

In the spirit of team building, collaboration, and shared participation, the contest is organized into teams to count birds in the “West Central Florida” competition area. As a participant, you can create a team, join a team or let Tampa Audubon assign you to a team. Contact Mic McCarty at mic.mcarty@tampaaudubon.org to register your team or join a team.

4. Team Structure

• Teams can create their own team’s name and logo.

• Teams will have a Team Leader to organize the team’s efforts.

• Teams can have more than one Team Leader.

• Teams will have a minimum of two members.

• Team members do not have to participate the entire day; members can come and leave as

  desired. In the spirit of teamwork, at least two members should be counting at any count

  time.

5. Counting Birds

The competition and prizes are for:

• The most species of birds observed on the count day.

• The most imaginative team building participation. (shirts, team name, adornments,

  mottos, flags, use your imagination!).

6. Observation Rules

• Observations must be made during the 24-hour period of World Migratory Bird Day

  (October 10, 2026).

• Teams must submit their observations using eBird. Teams must share the checklist with the eBird user name "Tampa-Audubon".

• Birds can be counted either by sight or hearing. Rare birds should be well

  documented, preferably with either photos or a Merlin recording.

• Birds must be seen from the shore in the count area (i.e., boating out into the Gulf

  will not count but birds seen from the beach will).

7. Honor System and Verification

Participants are expected to follow the honor system and record sightings honestly.

8. Inclusivity and Fun

The competition should remain friendly, welcoming, and accessible to birders of all levels

of experience. The emphasis should be on participation, learning, and chapter

camaraderie as much as on winning.

9. Prizes

The top team members all receive a Tampa Audubon Society hat and tote bag. Additional

benefits include bragging rights for one year and an increased awareness and

understanding of scientific issues, as well as the opportunity to contribute to meaningful

research that can influence environmental policies and practices. Additionally, it fosters

community engagement and enhances science literacy among participants. Tampa

Audubon will publish the winning team account in the newsletter.

10. When not out counting birds, encountering nature and having fun, teams can flock to

Lettuce Lake Park to visit, refresh, eat and socialize during the day. Teams are encouraged

to bring a pot luck dish.

[1] World Migratory Bird Day, https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/#2026 2026