Published on: 2026-09-24
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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On September 26, the autumn stage of the 30th Capital Cup in Sports Ornithology “Autumn-2026” will take place in the Moscow territory of the Losiny Ostrov National Park. The organizers of the event are Department of Environmental Management and Protection of the City of Moscow and the non-profit partnership “Birds and People.”
Game and science
Competitions in sports ornithology are held twice a year — in spring and autumn. They combine elements of a game and scientific monitoring, allowing participants to identify bird species inhabiting the green areas of the capital. Some of the birds are listed in the Red Book of Moscow and the Red Book of Russia.
Anniversary season
The Autumn Cup will be an anniversary event: it will be held for the 30th time. The event covers various natural areas of the capital and introduces participants to the species diversity of birds inhabiting Moscow parks. Previously, the venues included natural and historical parks such as Izmaylovo, Moskvoretsky, Bitsevsky Forest, museum-reserves Kuzminki-Lyublino, Tsaritsyno, and other green areas. Over the course of the competitions, participants have identified 79 bird species, 43 of which are listed in the Moscow Red Book.
“Sports ornithology combines sporting interest, scientific precision, and love of nature. In four hours, participants manage to see more than many do in a year: they photograph birds, identify species, and help supplement monitoring data. We are holding the autumn cup for the 30th time, and I invite everyone — come with a camera, binoculars, and a good mood,” shared Elena Zharkova, head of the Department of Environmental Education and Awareness of the capital
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
How to participate
Anyone interested can join the competitions. The general meeting is at 09:15 at the eco-center “Krasnaya Sosna” at the address: 12th Line of Krasnaya Sosna Street, house 28. The tournament starts at 10:00. No additional registration is required.
Organizers recommend bringing a camera or binoculars, a pen or pencil for notes, as well as a dry snack and a thermos with a warm drink. Dress according to the weather. The Capital Cup in sports ornithology will take place even in case of rain. It is important to familiarize yourself with the competition regulations before the event begins.
In addition, from 11:00 to 15:00 at the competition venue, there will be an ecological educational program dedicated to the feathered inhabitants of Moscow parks. It includes ecological games and quizzes, scientific workshops, creative activities, an introduction to the profession of an ornithologist, plein air painting with an artist, and lectures. The event will conclude with a performance by a musical group.
Rules and results
To win the competition, participants have four hours to photograph and correctly identify the greatest number of bird species. The results must be uploaded to the site within three days after the event ends. In addition, detailed information about the tournament and the regulations can be viewed on its page. The participants’ works will be evaluated by an expert jury consisting of professional zoologists and ornithologists.
Nominations
The organizers have provided for three categories. “Experts” and “Beginners” are for teams of two to five people, each of which must include a participant over 18 years old. In the individual category “Soloists,” the team is represented by a single adult.
Results of the spring stage of the tournament
The spring stage of the Capital Cup in sports ornithology took place on April 18 at the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve and gathered more than 150 people — both novice and experienced bird watchers from Moscow. 52 teams participated in the competition.
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