2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest
PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!
Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.
Participation Guidelines
1. Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest.
2. Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
3. Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
4. Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.
The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.
NEWS
Conditions at Hillsdale Learning Center a concern
Parents of local special needs children raise red flag In April a tornado tore through the Hillsdale area leaving behind a damage path and debris that included the playground and equipment at the Hillsdale Learning Center (HLC), the building which houses the East Central... [More]
Pleasanton Council approves 10-year bond
Pumps and roof slated for replacement; $8.87/month water bill increase A crowded Community Building greeted the Pleasanton City Council Monday night as they learned the pump at East Lake “doesn’t look good.” According to contractor Richard Smith,... [More]
Mound City council discusses properties
During the Aug. 4 meeting, the Mound City council discussed the possible purchases of two separate properties. Council first discussed the property at 731 Walnut Street owned by Missy Wurtz with the discussion centering on delinquent property taxes owed on the property in the... [More]
More News
- Commissioners review budgets
- Pleasanton issues declaration of emergency
- USD 344 works on secondary water source
- Mayor discusses Linn Valley economic development
- Linn County P and Z Director awarded sponsorship for conference
- Declaration of Water Emergency
- Pleasanton Council opts to begin paving streets
- Top PRCA official to attend Linn County Rodeo
SPORTS
More than Friday Night Lights
From the Bleachers-775 Many football fans remember James “Boobie” Miles as the electrifying running back from Odessa Permian High School whose story became the heart of Friday Night Lights. As one of the nation’s most highly recruited players in 1988, he appeared... [More]
Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
The annual kids’ fishing derby hosted by Don George and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took place at the Linn County fairgrounds on the morning of Aug. 8. The fishing derby began at around 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m. After the derby the kids competed... [More]
Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
The annual pedal pull hosted by Linn County Farm Bureau Association was held at the Linn County fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 7. Just like in years past the competition was divided by age 4 to 12 with the top three placers in each age group receiving a trophy/medal and... [More]
More Sports
- Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Linn County well represented in 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo
- A day of fun and records
- Commanders win tournament at Arma
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes at Nationals
- Annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament held at Pleasanton East Lake
- Blue Mound Burnout contest held
- Midwest Senior Bull Riding Association comes to Pleasanton
COMMUNITY
Suicide prevention program gearing up for first year at JLHS
Sources of Strength is a youth suicide prevention program that is designed for individuals to focus on the power of healthy outlets and networks to change unhealthy norms and cultures. The goal is to prevent suicide, bullying and substance abuse. The mission of the program is... [More]
America 250: The American Revolution The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers were important in the creation of our nation. They helped contribute to founding documents such as The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Articles of Confederation. They also contributed to many boycotts, like the Boston Tea Party. They were also... [More]
Janet Reynolds: Library, History, and Public Service
Visiting the library is always a fun adventure, especially if you go to La Cygne’s public library. Local librarian, Janet Reynolds has distinguished herself in not just running the library but also by volunteering in her community. Reynolds was born in Linn County,... [More]
More Community
- Mayor Potter opens up about his plans for Linn Valley
- La Cygne celebration set for Saturday
- Lorna Turley: A life of family and service
- Parker Lodge No. 341 donates $800 to Operation School Supply and the Parker Library
- Labette Bank Golden Adventure Club attends Branson musical
- Daily Objective Distillery - a local American destination
- SPECIAL: Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation hosts Civil War Camp Dance
- Annual Robert F. Morgan Bike Run set for June 13
