Key registration dates
March 15, 2026 at 8:00am: 2026 Program is published. Check out the schedule of trips and presentations and plan your weekend itinerary!
April 6-13, 2026: Practice registration is open.
April 15, 2026 at 8:00am: Event registration opens!
General Pass: $135
Includes up to 4 field trips or workshops and unlimited presentations.
Student Pass: $50
Includes up to 4 field trips or workshops and unlimited presentations. Current, full-time student ID required within a month of registering.
Additional Trips: $25
Want to go on 5 or more trips? You’ll have an option to add on additional trips during registration.
Kids age 12 and under are FREE!
Inspiring the next generation of birders!
Please note that registration costs have changed in 2026 to encourage intentional planning of trips. Please be courteous to your fellow festival-goers and only sign up for trips you plan on attending.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations made by May 26, 2026 will result in a refund of fees paid, less a $15 administrative fee per registrant.
No refunds will be made for cancellations after May 26, 2026, or for no-shows.
To cancel, change your registration, or be added to a wait list, please contact us at chautauqua@monolake.org or (760) 647-6595.
Planning for registration: a step-by-step process
- Check the website on March 15 to view the 2026 Program. You can view the Schedule PDF to help plan the timing of your trips. Make sure none of your planned programs overlap with each other, and don’t forget to give yourself time to rest, rehydrate, and grab a bite to eat!
- Once you have your weekend itinerary planned, check out the practice registration site between April 6-13 to familiarize yourself with the registration process. A video will be posted here to walk you through that process.
- Get ready, get set, and go! Registration opens at 8:00am on Wednesday, April 15. Many trips are quite popular and sell out in minutes. Pro tip: have some back-up options in case your desired trips fill before you have the chance to register for them. Don’t forget your T-shirt!
- Don’t despair! Email chautauqua@monolake.org to be added to the waitlist for any trips you were unable to get on. You can also give us a call at (760) 647-6595.
- Check out the Event Logistics page for more information about the event as you prepare for a fun weekend of birding, naturalizing, and camraderie with other Mono-philes!
How-to video below:
Don’t forget your Chautauqua T-shirt! Pre-order by May 15 to ensure we order your size. $30, unisex and women’s cuts are available:
Note: photos shown are the back of the shirt. Front of shirt will have text reading “2026 Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua” on the front pocket area.
Top left: Santiago Escruceria, top right: Sandra Noll, bottom left: Sandra Noll, bottom right: Ryan Price
Top photo by Brendan Peralez