The Stark County Bird Quest is a 24-hour challenge with two goals in mind:

1.) get people into the outdoors using birds as a catalyst, and

2.) to accumulate data about birds in Stark County by submitting observations to eBird.org. This family-friendly event is free including introductory workshops, information on where to go birding, guided walks during the event, and the celebration at the end.

Teams can be as few as two people and as many as you want (rules will be provided for birding together – teams are not permitted to “divide and conquer”). Team names are encouraged and can be funny or serious, but creativity is rewarded!
Because teams can be comprised of beginners and life-long birders, we will offer awards (certificates suitable for framing) for things like “Most Species Reported”, “Most Warblers Reported”, “Most Habitats Visited”, “Most Parks/Preserves Visited”, “Most Creative Team Name”, and so on.
And a celebration at the end of the 24-hour event will be our way of bringing teams together for fellowship and a recap of the previous 24 hours. 

Rules for Teams and Event

• American Birding Association Code of Ethics (https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/) are to be followed by all participants.
• This is a family-friendly event, and all participants must act accordingly.
• Teams must register at least two people.
• Team members need not remain together for the 24-hour period. One or more registered team members can leave or join at any time during the event.
• All birds counted must be observed while teams are physically located within Stark County. For example, if you are standing in Stark County but observe a bird soaring in the sky over an adjacent county, you may still count that bird.
• Team members must remain at distances that permit direct contact at all times while birding. Teams may not split up to simultaneously cover different trails or different areas – you may not “divide and conquer”.
• All birds counted must be conclusively identified by sight or sound. Teams may use field guides or apps to aid in the identification of a species.
• Birds counted must be alive, wild, and unrestrained. Feathers, nests, eggs, or other artifacts do not count as birds.
• All birds counted must be observed by more than 50% of team members present. For example, in a team of 2, both members would need to see the bird to count it for their list. In a team of 4, at least 3 team members would need to see the bird. Registered team members who have yet to join their team or those who have already left the team are not included, only those team members who are actively birding at the time of observation.
• Teams may go birding anywhere within Stark County as long as it is open to the public or, if private land, you have permission.
• Each team must submit a final checklist of birds observed using an official Bird Quest checklist in order to be eligible for any awards. Final check-in on the second day of the event concludes at 4:30pm.
• Drivers should be just that, driving and paying attention to road conditions, speed limits and other safety considerations.
• Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or substances, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited at this event.
• All participants must practice common sense health and safety measures throughout the event.
• Have FUN!

2025 Bird Quest Flyer

To register for the event : Click Here to register for the Event

Stark County Bird Quest Registration Packet

Bird Quest Checklist Stark County, Ohio, US

Bird Walks and Workshops prior to and during the event

Saturday, August 13, 2025 at 9:00-10:30am – Wildlife Wednesday: Birds
Location: Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. This month we will walk in search of bird species in juvenile and adult plumages. Young birds of some species look just like an adult bird while others have identifiable juvenile feathers that can make identification confusing. We will sort through the adults and young of the year to learn some identifiable characteristics. Bring binoculars. *Registration is required. Contact: (330) 823-7487 or naturecenter@mountunion.edu

Friday, September 12, 2025 at 8:30-10:00am – Morning Bird Hike
Location: Sippo Lake Park – North Entrance. Join a Stark Parks Naturalist for a guided hike and look for local bird species. Dress appropriately for weather. Meet in the lower parking lot of the Exploration Gateway. Please register at starkparks.com

Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 9:00am – Guided Bird Walk
Location: Mahoning Valley Trail. Join Canton Audubon Society in a bird walk on the Mahoning Valley Trail in Alliance, OH. Meet at the parking area at 182 E. Gaskill St., Alliance, OH. Beginners welcome. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. Contact: cantonaudubonsociety@gmail.com

Guided Events during Bird Quest
Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:00-8:30pm – Evening Bird Hike
Location: Quail Hollow Park. Take an evening hike in hopes of seeing/hearing late-day birds like owls. Dress appropriately for weather conditions and rugged trails. Bring a flashlight for when the sun goes down. Meet in the lower lot adjacent to the playground. Bring binoculars. RSVP: (330) 823-7487 or naturecenter@mountunion.edu

Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8:00-10:00am – Shorebirds
Location: Walborn Reservoir or Berlin Reservoir depending on habitat conditions. Every fall, thousands of shorebirds migrate through Ohio. The mud flats of nearby reservoirs are a great place to observe the birds. Several species may be seen including sandpipers, plovers, and killdeer in addition to ducks, gulls, and herons. We may be walking in muddy areas so please wear appropriate footwear. The location will be determined a few days prior based on local conditions. Bring binoculars. RSVP: (330) 823-7487 or naturecenter@mountunion.edu

Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00-11:00am – Bird Quest Guided Hike
Location: The Wilderness Center. Join us for a free bird walk around the grounds and trails of The Wilderness Center! Fall migration is a great time to view both resident birds and species that are passing through. We will explore our woodland, prairie, and lake habitats looking for songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. All birding levels welcome. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring your binoculars and your favorite field guide if you have them.