The results are in for the 3rd Annual Virginia Birding Classic — and once again, Virginia’s birding community delivered record participation and outstanding competition across the Commonwealth.
From April 15 through May 15, teams explored Virginia’s public lands in pursuit of as many bird species as possible during a 24-hour birding window. Participants identified well over 200 species during this year’s event, showcasing both the diversity of Virginia birdlife and the passion of birders across the Commonwealth.
This year’s competition also continued what is quickly becoming one of the defining rivalries of the Virginia Birding Classic.
After winning the Cardinal Cup in 2025 as the Birdbrains, Chopper Dawson returned with several returning teammates under a new team name — The Thrashers — and successfully defended the title. Meanwhile, June McDaniels and Andrew Baldelli of the Twitchers continued their remarkable consistency with another runner-up finish after winning the inaugural event in 2024.
The VA Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) congratulates the winners of the 2026 VA Birding Classic Cardinal Cup:
1st Place — 135 Species
The Thrashers
Chopper Dawson, Ewa Greene, Todd Dixon, Allen Cumbia, and George Arnold
2nd Place — 124 Species
Twitchers
June McDaniels and Andrew Baldelli
3rd Place — 122 Species
GMU Ornithology
Will Brooks, David Luther, and Aidan McCarthy
DWR would like to thank all participating teams, supporters, partners, and volunteers who helped make this year’s event another major success. The Virginia Birding Classic continues to grow each year and highlights the outstanding birding and public land opportunities available throughout Virginia.
Additional event information and full results will be shared through DWR channels in the coming days.