For the 2009 YBC, set for April 25-26, register early to take advantage of mentor and other training programs. The registration deadline is March 31, 2009.
What is the Youth Birding Competition?
A 24-hour birding competition in which teams (representing your school, Scout troop, 4-H club, science club, etc.) compete with other teams their age to count as many species of birds as they can in Georgia. Start Saturday evening (April 25) finding owls and other nocturnal species, bird throughout Sunday (April 26), and finish for an awards banquet and live animal show at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center at 5 p.m. You can stay around the Wildlife Center or travel the state: Just get to the finish line by 5 p.m. with your list!
Who can compete?
Anyone from kindergarten through 12th grade can form teams within four age divisions: primary, elementary, middle and high school.
Do I need to be an expert?
No! We will link your team with an experienced mentor who can meet with you to help hone your bird identification skills before the event. We will also offer several training days throughout the year to help you prepare for the big event.
Who does it benefit?
Your team can raise money for your favorite Nongame Conservation Section project or conservation organization. Registration packets include fundraising tips and projects to fund.
Are there prizes?
Of course! For each age group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12th grade) teams will compete for the most birds seen and the most money raised. Grand prizes include new binoculars - donated by Eagle Optics - for the team finding the most birds. There will be door prizes for almost all participants.
FREE to all participants:
- Fun and educational day outside!
- Awards banquet
- Live animal show
- T-shirt
- Breakfast & lunch (if participants are in the vicinity of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center)
PRIZES (by age division):
- Most birds seen
- Most money raised
- Best rookie team
- T-shirt and Nature Journal prizes
NEW FOR 2009!
- Birding - Nature Journal option
- E-newsletter with quizzes, trip info and birding tips
Returning in 2009!
- T-shirt Art Contest
How much does YBC cost?
Participation in the Youth Birding Competition is absolutely free, unless you plan to spend Saturday night (April 25) at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Conference Center, in which case rooms start at $70.00 depending on occupancy.
How can you register?
Print off a copy of the 2009 Youth Birding Competition brochure (Requires Adobe Acrobrat Reader).
Cut out and fill in the registration panel and mail to:
Tim Keyes
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division
116 Rum Creek Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029
Register early to take advantage of the mentor and other training programs. Registration Deadline is March 31, 2009.
This event is primarily funded by The Environmental Resources Network, Inc. (T.E.R.N.), friends group of the Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Conservation Section. For more information on T.E.R.N. and how to become a member, call (478) 994-1438.
Donations were also provided by Eagle Optics (www.eagleoptics.com), Atlanta Audubon Society (www.atlantaaudubon.org), Georgia Ornithological Society (www.gos.org), Birdsong IdentiFlyer (http://www.identiflyer.com) and Droll Yankees - "The World's Best Bird Feeders" (www.drollyankees.com).
For more information on Georgia's Youth Birding Competition, contact Tim Keyes at (478) 994-1438 or tim.keyes@gadnr.org.
For more information on the YBC T-shirt Art Contest, contact Linda May at (770) 784-3059 or linda.may@gadnr.org.
