Center for Birds of Prey Launches Haiku Contest for In-Person Storywalk
Audubon News Read More
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.
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 includes linked poems or book pages in outside display cases, encouraging participants to stroll while they read through a narrative. The Center for Birds of Prey storywalk is a well-loved part of the experience of visiting the Center 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) is permitted to 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. Poet’s name (as entered on the submission form) will be included alongside their poem, unless the poet chooses to remain anonymous.
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 visitor 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.