From Audubon Florida
In Summary:
The Center for Birds of Prey has launched a free haiku contest celebrating Florida’s turkey vultures and black vultures ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day. Fifteen winning poems will be featured along the Center’s outdoor storywalk when it debuts in September 2026. Winners will also receive a free year-long membership to the Center for Birds of Prey.
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Dark wings ride the breeze
Poets praise the vultures
Stories line the path
The Center for Birds of Prey is calling all haiku writers and passionate poets to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day with haikus celebrating the two vulture species found in Florida: Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures. Fifteen winners will be chosen and featured along the Center for Birds of Prey’s storywalk. Submissions available here. One entry per person.
Related: Outrage grows after the death of a Florida eagle raises questions about wildlife investigation.
What is a haiku?
A simple poetry form, originally from Japan, that includes three lines:
- The first line has five syllables.
- The second line has seven syllables.
- The third line has five syllables.
What is a storywalk?
A storywalk features linked poems or book pages in outdoor display cases, encouraging participants to stroll as they read a narrative. The Center for Birds of Prey storywalk is a well-loved part of the experience for children and adults alike.
What are the contest rules?
The free submission form is available here from now through July 31, 2026. Audubon staff will review the submissions and choose 15 winners in August. The storywalk will be printed and installed in September 2026, in time for International Vulture Awareness Day on September 5.
Poets must be over 18 years of age, and no AI (artificial intelligence) may be used in drafting or editing the haikus.
Winners receive the satisfaction of having their poem included in the storywalk, as well as a free annual membership to the Center for Birds of Prey. The poet’s name (as entered on the submission form) will be included alongside their poem, unless the poet chooses to remain anonymous.
Key Points:
- The contest invites adults to submit original haikus about Florida vultures.
- Fifteen winning poems will appear along the Center’s outdoor storywalk.
- Submissions are open through July 31, 2026.
- Artificial intelligence may not be used in drafting or editing entries.
- Winners receive a free annual membership to the Center for Birds of Prey.
Established in 1979, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is a leader in the rehabilitation of Florida’s native raptors and provides educational programming to the public. With more than 30 ambassador birds on view, the Center offers visitors up close visits with Florida’s top predators, summer camp programs, field trips, community outreach programs, and much more. The Center’s Raptor Trauma Clinic treats more than 700 injured, sick, and orphaned raptors each year. To visit, click here.
