Alabama Bird Search – Youth Challenge (ABS)! During this state-wide, competitive birding event, youth teams ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school will compete against other teams in their age division for most species identified, among other categories, for prizes and recognition. A T-shirt art contest will also feature the grand prize-winning art on the event’s T-shirt next year.
The event will end in a recognition and awards picnic at Turkey Creek Preserve on October 17, 2026.
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Do you love birds, nature, or being outside? Are you looking for a great excuse to spend time outdoors with the kids in your life? Do you want to pass your passion for birding on to the next generation? Through this state-wide competition, it’s goal is to allow Alabama’s youth to learn about the state’s great biodiversity of native birds, get outside, enjoy a new sport, and spend time with friends and family in nature. Together with your help, we can raise the next generation of nature lovers and conservationists.
ABS Full Event Page
NEED-TO-KNOW
Team Registration Deadline - September 11, 2026
Deadline to Submit Waiver & General Release - September 11, 2026
Competition Window - September 12 - October 12, 2026
Teams choose a contiguous 24-hour period during this timeDeadline for Teams to Submit Their Best Checklist - October 12, 8:00PM
Awards & Recognition Picnic - October 17 at 2pm-5pm at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
LOCATION FOR THE AWARDS CEREMONY
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
Important Contact Information
Jess Searcy – ABS Volunteer Coordinator, Alabama Audubon Mobile: 404-558-2837 (Important: please text before calling to ensure your call is answered) alabamabirdsearch@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the + to read
-
The Alabama Bird Search - Youth Challenge is held over a multiday period coinciding with peak fall migration. Teams of 2-5 kids compete against other teams in their age division to find the most bird species in Alabama in a single 24-hour period. Winners are announced at an awards event soon after the competition period ends.
-
Teams select a contiguous 24-hour period during the competition window and spend as much time as they want during that day (and night!) finding as many species as possible.
-
It is a statewide competition, so anywhere you live - you can bird there too!
The awards ceremony will be at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve- see full event page here.
-
Of course! For each age division (PreK-2nd, 3-5th, 6-8th, or 9-recently graduated 12th) teams will compete for the most bird species identified in a 24-hour period and/or the top first-year “fledgling” team.
-
Fun! Meet other youth birders, learn about some amazing live wildlife ambassadors, eat some food, and sport your new FREE ABS T-shirt featuring one of our amazing youth artists!
-
Register online HERE or see the full event page.
-
The rules and other information can be found here.
Winner of 2025 T-shirt Art Contest
Congratulations!
Noah B (5th Grade) // Bobwhite
Gallery of ART From ABS 2024 Entries
Alabama Bird Search – Youth Challenge (ABS) and T-shirt Art Contest. During this state-wide, twenty-four-hour “Big Day” competitive birding event, youth teams ranging from prekindergarten through high school compete against other teams in their age division for most species identified, among other categories, for prizes and recognition.
We love supporting art and birding of all ages!
Read more about it here!
