When is Birdlam?
Our 3rd annual Birdlam will take place on April 22, 2023 (the fourth Saturday of April).
What is Birdlam?
Birdlam is Oklahoma’s big day birding event sponsored by the Payne County Audubon Society. The aim of Birdlam is to raise funds for Audubon chapters and other bird clubs across the state, increase general awareness of the avifauna diversity within Oklahoma, and … have fun!
Birdlam began as a nod to the “Bedlam” rivalry between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. True to this spirit, the first Birdlam in 2021 was a friendly competition between the Payne County Audubon Society (OSU) and the Cleveland County Audubon Society (OU) for the largest tally within their respective counties. Beginning in 2022, the competition was opened to chapters and clubs across the state. Chapters/clubs may bird outside their club’s jurisdictions—just not beyond Oklahoma. The birdiest chapter/club will receive recognition and bragging rights. Participants are eligible for individual and group awards.
How Do I Get Involved?
Begin by registering online here. Registration is $30/person and you can pay your fee here. Every registered participant will receive a commemorative Birdlam t-shirt. Registration will be open through the day of the event. During the process, you will be asked to:
- Choose a chapter or club to support (optional). A portion of your registration fee ($5) will go to that chapter or club.
- Pick a t-shirt color. Options include orange, crimson, black, or heather gray in unisex sizes XS-XXXL.
Alternatively, you can register by emailing paynecountyaudubonsociety@gmail.com.
Want an extra shirt?
We’re happy to sell you one! Profits go toward PCAS Study Grants and community programming. Order here!
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Birding will commence at 12:00 a.m. and will continue through the following midnight. Birders may scout chosen territory in advance, but may only count species seen and/or heard during the specified 24-hour period.
What Are the Rules?
- Please don’t count domestic, caged, unhatched, or deceased animals. Established populations of introduced species may be counted. Most current field guides should assist you in determining countable birds.
- In the spirit of being as non-intrusive as possible, birds may not be called or enticed to respond by any means. Electronic devices are allowed so long as they do not disturb the birds.
- Birds seen across the state line are permissible as long as the birder is in Oklahoma when the observation takes place.
After The Competition
After the competition, individual species checklists should be emailed to paynecountyaudubonsociety@gmail.com.
Lists must be emailed or postmarked no later than April 24, 2023. Please be prompt, and please be sure to identify the birder to whom the list belongs.
How do I report results?
Lists must be emailed or postmarked no later than April 24, 2023. Be sure to include the following information:
- Your name and contact information (email/phone).
- A total list of eligible species you saw during Birdlam.
- Any relevant information if you wish to be considered for prizes. For example, if you wish to be considered for the District Bicycles Mega-Excellent Adventure Award, please list the mode of transportation used (e.g., bicycle, kayak, foot) and the sites visited (as best as can be described). If you wish to be considered for a group award, please include the names and contact information for the other members. Did you bird your yard? Let us know!
- Making a checklist on eBird is a great way to track your sightings!
Email or mail results to paynecountyaudubonsociety@gmail.com, Payne County Audubon Society, PO Box 82, Stillwater, OK 74075.
Prizes? Yes!
- The Subaru Birding the Outback Award: Most individual target species seen (or heard) – GRAY CATBIRD. Sponsor – Bob Moore Subaru; Prize: $100 gift certificate.
- Eunice B. Hoskins Prize: The individual reporting the most eligible species. Sponsor – Les Imboden; Prize – $100.
- The District Bicycles Mega-Excellent Adventure Award: How many birds can you see without the use of a motor vehicle. This award is for the most birds seen across at least two sites using only human-powered modes of transportation. The spirit of the award is to encourage birders with an openness for adventure to head to places not accessible by car … Get on a bike! Hop in a kayak! Sponsor – District Bicycles; Prize – $100 gift certificate.
- Most Species by Group: The group reporting the most eligible species. Groups are defined as at least two individuals birding the entire day together. It is expected that everyone in the group observes 95% of the total birds they report. Sponsor – The Hideaway; Prize – $100 gift card to Hideaway Pizza.
- The Yardbirds Award: Most species seen from the property you live on. Sponsor – Wild Birds Unlimited (Tulsa); Prize – $100 gift card.
Prizes will be conveyed to the winners according to contact information furnished at the time of registration.
Past Winners
2022 Complete Recap
- Most ‘target species’ (Loggerhead Shrike): Alex Harman (2)
- Most species overall: Alex Harman (103)
- Most species without the use of a motor vehicle: Liz McCullagh (45)
- Most species seen by a birding group: Pratyaydipta Rudra and Sreemla Das Majumder (143)
- Most species seen from your own property: Leslie Miller (40)
2021*
- Birdiest Chapter: Payne County Audubon Society (137 total species)
- Most ‘target species’ (Snowy Egret): Pratyaydipta Rudra (4)
- Most species overall: Mike Yough (88)
- Most species without the use of a motor vehicle: Eric LoPresti (78)
- Most species while birding in one spot: Jennifer Kidney (28)
- Most species not seen in the opposing county: Mike Yough (45)
*Competition restricted to Cleveland and Payne counties.
PCAS 