Connecticut Audubon’s second annual Migration Madness Big Weekend, scheduled for May 17 to 19, will feature more than 30 guided bird walks, talks, exhibitions and other programs for all ages and in all parts of the state. The event will be highlighted by a Birdathon, a friendly bird-watching competition to raise money for conservation and environmental education in Connecticut.

The Birdathon is for everyone. The 60 participants in last year’s inaugural Birdathon ranged from age 9 to almost 70, and they raised more than $10,000 for conservation. This year’s goal is to reach 100 participants and raise $20,000 in donations.

Expert birders will have a chance to compete against some of the best birders in the state, and there will be ample opportunities for intermediate level birders, youngsters and people who are new to bird-watching to have fun and win prizes.

Attendees can choose from at least 30 programs and events throughout Migration Madness. Highlights include: beginner bird walk at the Coastal Center on Friday afternoon; late afternoon coastal bird walk at Watch Rock Preserve, led by the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme; full moon walk at the Center of Fairfield on Friday evening; bird banding demonstrations at Birdcraft in Fairfield on Saturday and Sunday and at the Center at Pomfret on Saturday; mid-morning bird walk at the Center at Glastonbury on Saturday; incredible “90-bird day” trip with Andy Rzeznikiewicz at the Center at Pomfret on Sunday; and early-morning and not-so-early guided walks through the highlands of Deer Pond Farm in Sherman.

Many events are free and all are reasonably priced, with discounts for Connecticut Audubon members.

For more information, visit MigrationMadness.CTAudubon.org.