Ornithology Open

Dates: Saturday, May 16, 2026 - Sunday, May 17, 2026

Meeting Location: Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

Cost: $20/team | Registration required

“What is this event all about?”

Join friends in this non-stop, 24-hour birding extravaganza, the Lorain County Metro Parks’ inaugural Ornithology Open! Participants will be asked to create at least one team of birders to challenge other local avian enthusiasts in this competition to spot the most birds in a 24-hour period during spring migration. Grab a pair of binoculars and your best bird nerd friends and family members and register today! The competition boasts seven different birding categories (listed below) and winners of each category will receive their team's name engraved on a trophy and bragging rights for the year.

“How does it work?”

Teams meet at Carlisle Visitor Center’s Black River Room at 6:00 p.m. on the first night for light refreshments and an introduction. Teams may sign up for their chosen categories at this time. Birding will begin at 7:00 p.m. of night #1 and run until 7:00 p.m. on the following day. At that time counting must halt. All teams must be back at Carlisle Visitor Center at 7:30 p.m. of night #2 for snacks and refreshments. Checklists will be tallied, a winner will be announced, and a group checklist will be made to see how many total species the competition’s participants were able to find and identify. The event will conclude at 9:00 p.m. and birders can begin sharpening their skills for next year’s competition!

TEAM CATEGORIES:

All participants must sign up to compete in one of the following categories. Each category has unique stipulations to be followed. PLEASE NOTE: Participants will sign up for each category at the kick-off event on night #1, not at the time of registration.

COMPETITION RULES, REGULATIONS, AND INFORMATION

• Teams are encouraged to come up with a fun, bird-themed name (e.g.: “Ahh, Frigate!” “Snap grackle pop”)

• Teams must consist of at least 3 members, and no more than 6 members

• At least ¾ of team members must see/hear each bird and agree on the ID for the bird to count  

• Checklists are on the honor system 

• Teams are asked to enter findings on Ebird as well as a paper checklist 

• Birds must be alive to be counted 

• Caged/captive birds may not count 

• Introduced species may count (e.g. Starling, House Sparrow) 

• Rare or species not found typically found in our area in early May must be accompanied with proper documentation (e.g., photos, recordings, and or field notes) 

• Birds that cannot be identified down to the species may count on your checklist if no other similar species is on your checklist. For example: If you cannot discern from greater or lesser scaup you may put scaup species. However, if you properly ID a lesser scaup later it would still be counted as one bird. 

• Electronic or recorded bird calls may not be used to attract birds or entice them to vocalize during the competition

• Teams must stay within earshot of each other 

• Teams must travel safely and use good judgments. All teams must comply with Ohio highway, biking, and boating laws. Teams should not enter private property without explicit permission.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 

• Each team must practice proper birding ethics at all times and be good ambassadors for birds as well as Lorain County Metro Parks. Please refer to the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics. 

• All teams should enjoy themselves and keep the larger picture in mind; the event is designed to be fun and educational, rather than a strict competition. Your support, honesty, and positive attitude are greatly appreciated.