Virginia Birding Big Day

On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the Commonwealth will be alive. Neotropical migrants donned in deep indigos, gorgeous shades of scarlet, shining gold will populate our newly leaved-out trees. Flocks of shorebirds will stream up our coastline. Spring migration will be at its peak, and you don’t want to miss it!

Many birders in Virginia hope to both watch & enjoy the birds and work to help them, and the organizers of the Virginia Big Day are no different. This spring, you will be able to do both at the same time. Virginia birders may register a team of friends to compete in one of several categories, including a youth category and regional categories. Teams will have from midnight to midnight to see as many species as possible; however, this can be tailored to any birding style. Whether you only have time for a few hours of yard birding or if you have time for a statewide big day, your participation is valued!

Teams will collect pledges (e.g. $2 per species) from organizations, companies, or individuals, the proceeds of which will go directly to the Virginia Society of Ornithology’s Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas II program. Please navigate to the “Pledges” page for more information on pledging.

The event is organized by the Virginia Big Day Committee, an independent group of birders from around the Commonwealth. To learn more about the Virginia Big Day and register, visit our website.