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

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!

2026 Bird Quest Flyer

Stark County Bird Quest Registration Packet

Bird Quest Checklist Stark County, Ohio, US

Bird Walks and Workshops prior to and during the event

Saturday, September 5^th, 2026, at 9:00am – Beginner Bird Hike
Location: Quail Hollow Park. Join Canton Audubon Society members during a casual bird hike. Learn from others how to identify birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars or borrow them. No reservation is required. Meet at the parking lot by the Manor House.

Wednesday, September 16^th, 2026, at 5:30pm – Beginner Bird Hike
Location: Sippo Lake Exploration Gateway. Join Canton Audubon Society members during a casual bird hike. Learn from others how to identify birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars or borrow them.

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Guide Bird Walks during the Event

Friday, September 25th, 2026 at 7:00pm – Evening Bird Hike
Location: Quail Hollow Park.

Take an evening hike in hopes of seeing/hearing late-day birds like nighthawks and 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 26th, 2026 at 8:00am – Shorebird Watch
Location:Walborn Reservoir or Berlin Reservoir (depending on habitat conditions)

Need help finding and IDing shorebirds for Bird Quest? The mud flats of 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. Observation areas may be muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear. The observation location will be determined a few days prior based on local conditions. Bring binoculars. Spotting scopes will be available. RSVP: (330) 823-7487 or naturecenter@mountunion.edu  

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