Vietnam’s largest wild bird photography competition brings together local, int’l nature enthusiasts

The event attracted 32 competing teams with 114 participants, along with more than 100 students taking part in side activities.

This year’s edition also saw the participation of international teams from the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Taiwan, Indonesia, as well as solo participants from India, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Laos.

The competition results saw Sony Alpha Wings take first place with 95 validated bird species recorded.

The second prize went to Treo Cay Mo Vang with 88 species, while Javan Plover from Indonesia placed third with 83 species.

Saigon Teens finished in fourth place with 71 species.

An 'outstanding discovery' award was presented for a photograph documenting the grey-headed fish eagle, captured by the team Cu Dem.

In the individual photography category, four awards were given to Nguyen Pho for an image of the orange-breasted trogon, Nguyen Xuan Nguyen for the cuckoo-shrike, Nguyen Hoai Yen Phuong for the common flameback, and Tran Bao Huy for the Oriental pied hornbill.

Connecting nature-loving community

According to Ha Thang Long, director of the Vietnam Flora and Fauna Conservation Fund, the value of the event lies not only in competition results but also in its ability to connect birdwatchers, photographers, scientists, and conservation organizations, helping spread awareness about wildlife protection.

Pham Xuan Thinh, director of Cat Tien National Park, said the event helps promote Cat Tien as a leading birdwatching destination while spreading conservation messages in a more engaging and accessible way.

Organizers emphasized that Vietnam BirdRace is not only about results or species counts, but also about fair play, responsibility, and respect for nature.

The success of the 2026 edition shows that the event is becoming a more specialized and meaningful platform, while also serving as a growing hub for Vietnam’s birdwatching, nature photography, and conservation communities.

In addition to the main competition, the 'BirdRace for Kids' program engaged more than 100 students and teachers from schools near Cat Tien National Park, helping foster environmental awareness and a love for wildlife conservation among younger generations.