Hong Kong Bird Race Fundraising Event 2025 Race Rules

1. The competition is conducted in a team format, with a minimum of three and a maximum of five members per team. The team size is based on submitted registration form and cannot be changed by the participants.
   
2. Confirmation of bird records: Sightings of the bird or its call are both acceptable; each bird species must be confirmed by at least three team members.
3. The recorded birds in the competition must be identified and confirmed by the registered team members. If there are other individuals accompanying the team, they can only act as silent observers and are not allowed to provide any form of hints. Otherwise, the team’s eligibility to participate will be revoked.
4. All participating teams must abide by HKBWS's "Code of Conduct for Birdwatching and Photography" and the "Important Note for Birding in Rural Area" 
5. The following behaviours are not allowed in the competition:
   1. Using bait or playback to attract birds.
   2. Disturbing or chasing away birds.
   3.  Entering locations where birds gather for breeding, such as egretries.
6. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) will not provide transportation for Challenger teams during the competition. Each team needs to make their own arrangements.
7. The competition time is based on the Hong Kong Observatory's time.
8. All teams are required to submit a trip report via eBird for their bird records. This "Trip Report" must be shared with “hkbwseducation” to ensure the judges can access all records, including sensitive species.
9. After submitting the records, no additional bird species can be added. If discovered, such additions will not be accepted.
10. The eBird apps must be updated to the latest version.
11. Challenger teams can start and finish the competition anywhere, all team members must arrive at the designated reporting location within the designated time of their own race category to submit an eBird trip report. After arriving at the designated reporting location, all team members need to take a group photo.
    
12. A judging panel will check each Trip Report. As requested, the panel may request additional details from teams regarding specific bird species for verification purposes and has the right to reject any records that are rare, unusual, or do not provide sufficient descriptions, photographs, or recordings.
13. Scoring Method: Every species approved by the judging panel earns one point. You can gain one point per bird identified with a leg band, limited to a total of five points. (Please provide the bird species and band number, and attach a photo for verification). If your team discovers this year's theme bird, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, will earn five points. (Verification photos are required).
    
14. The following situations will result in a deduction of the team's total score:
    1. Absenteeism, lateness, or early departure of team members: Deduct one point per person.
    2. Late submission of the eBird Trip Report: Deduct one point per minute. 
15. If the weather is unstable before the race (e.g. Red or Black Rainstorm Signal, or Typhoon No.8 Signal or above), HKBWS reserves the right to cancel the race and will notify all participating teams one day before the race.
16. HKBWS reserves the right to change the above competition rules at any time. In case of any disputes, the final decision rests with HKBWS.

Fundraising Race Rules

1. Only teams which are successfully registered in the Hong Kong Bird Race Fundraising Event can participate in the Fundraising Race. The team can customize their online fundraising page, such as adding a profile picture, team description and set the team's fundraising target.
2. All donations for the team should be made through the team's fundraising page. Teams are encouraged to share your fundraising page with your families and friends, and they can support the team by making donations online. All tax-deductible e-receipts for donations of HK$100 or above will be emailed to the registered team leader of each team. All receipts will be prepared before 30 June 2025.
   
3. The fundraising deadline for MTR’s Student Race is on 26 April 2025 2 pm, while that of Challenger Race is on 27 April 2025 at 2 pm. The team with the highest amount of fund raised will be the Best Fundraiser of the corresponding race.
4. All donations are non-refundable and will be used to support the conservation work of HKBWS.
5. HKBWS reserves the right to change the above competition rules at any time. In case of any disputes, the final decision rests with HKBWS.  

For enquiries, please contact us by phone at 2377 4387 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..