Virginia Birding Classic

The 3rd Annual Virginia Birding Classic!

April 15 – May 15, 2026

Registration open March 13 – May 14, 2026
FREE to Participate

The Virginia Birding Classic is a statewide competition where teams search Virginia’s public lands for as many bird species as possible in one consecutive 24-hour period.

The ultimate prize?

The Cardinal Cup: The team that identifies the most species during their official attempt is etched in history—and on the Cardinal Cup for time immemorial.

Assemble your team and prepare to scour the Commonwealth for every wren, rail, pipit, piper, hawk, heron, finch, falcon, loon, lark, owl, osprey, crow, and cardinal you can identify within 24 consecutive hours between 12:00 AM on April 15 and 11:59 PM on May 15, 2026.

Strategy, skill matters, and endurance will decide who takes the Cup!

How to Participate

Build Your Team
2–6 participants (including a Team Captain).
Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Online
Register between March 13 and May 14, 2026.
There is no cost to participate.
Plan Your Strategy
Use Explore the Wild and eBird to identify qualifying public lands across Virginia.
Pick Your 24 Hours
Choose a consecutive 24-hour period between April 15 and May 15, 2026.
Go Birding!
Submit Your Results
Email one cumulative eBird Trip Report by 11:59 PM on May 17, 2026.

Ready to compete?

Let’s see who earns their name on the Cardinal Cup.

Additional Documents

Teams can identify excellent wildlife viewing opportunities by using DWR’s new web-based application that connects the public with recreation opportunities—including wildlife viewing—based on where they are, what they want to do outside, and how far they are willing to travel! Use Explore the Wild to find all the incredible birding spots included in the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail!