Ready, Set, Bird! APB Hosts Six-Hour Birding Blitz
How many bird species can you find in six hours? Birders will find out during the Barrens Birding Blitz, a fast-paced team birding competition at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve on Saturday, September 19.
“Holding this event is a great way to help us understand how birds use the preserve, but it’s also a celebration of birds and of fall migration." ~Alex Soldo
From 6 a.m. to noon, teams of novice and experienced birders will fan out across the Preserve, hiking trails and staking out prime birding locations as they compete to see and identify as many species as possible. The event will offer both mobile “traversing” teams and stationary “sit & spot” teams, allowing participants to explore the diverse habitats of the Pine Bush.
“We are looking forward to welcoming birders to the 4th annual Barrens Birding Blitz,” said Alex Soldo, event coordinator. “Holding this event is a great way to help us understand how birds use the preserve, but it’s also a celebration of birds and of fall migration."
Approximately 200 bird species can be found at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, which is designated as a New York State Bird Conservation Area, a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area and part of the New York State Birding Trail.
All participants are asked to follow the American Birding Association Code of Ethics. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. The competition will be followed by an awards ceremony and lunch at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany, NY.
Barrens Birding Blitz
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 6 a.m.–12 p.m.
Awards & Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Registration is $25 and includes a Barrens Birding Blitz T-shirt, event guidelines and birding guide/score sheet, lunch and awards.
CLICK HERE to register and learn more
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