Great Texas Birding Classic is Back!

If you enjoy birding in the great State of Texas, then you know that the biggest birding event in the area is just around the corner! The Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) is coming up April 24-May 2, aligning perfectly with the spring bird migration in Texas. This birding competition is a sport witha serious conservation purpose. Teams that observe the most bird species win the privilege of choosing which bird conservation projects receive grant money.

To date, the GTBC has contributed $686,000 directly to bird habitat conservation along the Texas gulf coast. Each year, organizations submit conservation project proposals to GTBC for prize funding consideration. The tournament’s mission is to increase appreciation, understanding and conservation of birds along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail through education, recreation, nature tourism and conservation fundraising. The event is sponsored by the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Continue reading Great Texas Birding Classic is Back!

Great Texas Birding Classic Teams Awards Grants

Great Texas Birding Classic photo

Winning teams in the 2008 Great Texas Birding Classic have awarded their conservation prize money to fund seven habitat projects totaling $73,000 along the Texas coast. Touted as the world’s longest birding competition, the Birding Classic has funded a total of $651,000 for avian habitat conservation since it began 12 years ago.

Each year, winning teams allocate prize money to fund wildlife habitat conservation and restoration projects approved by the Birding Classic staff. This year’s event ran April 27-May 4. The competition is jointly hosted by Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Conservation prize money comes from corporate sponsors, team entry fees, community and individual donations, a Wildlife Diversity Conservation Grant from Horned Lizard Conservation License Plate funds and a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program. Continue reading Great Texas Birding Classic Teams Awards Grants