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Bird-a-thon
TO: All Bird-a-thon 2009 Organizers
 FROM:
Wayne Petersen
Director
Massachusetts Important Bird Area (IBA) Program
By now you know that this year’s Bird-a-thon is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 15 and 16. No matter what, it is a near certainty that Mass Audubon Bird-a-thoners will record more than 250 bird species during this 24-hour birding classic.
 This year we are especially hopeful that birding teams will seek creative ways to maximize economy and energy efficiency during this classic birding event.
 In 2008, rainy weather once again dampened birding efforts during Mass Audubon's 25th annual Bird-a-thon. Despite the soggy weather nearly 700 dedicated observers braved the elements combing the Commonwealth in search of different bird species, each of which potentially contributed to money raised for conservation.
Unlike recent past years when many migrants were pinned down by inclement weather preceding Bird-a-thon week, this year migrant birds moved on before Saturday, leaving many areas "migrant thin." Despite any numerical paucity, however, species diversity was excellent.
From shearwaters and shorebirds along the coast, to locally rare Short-eared Owls and Grasshopper Sparrows in Bay State grasslands, birders successfully located a cumulative total of 258 species—a figure representing a significant percentage of the expected bird species occurring in Massachusetts in May.
 The final total of 258 recorded species included such rarities as White-faced Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Sedge Wren.
While the sheer number of migrants was lower than hoped for, birders at all levels had a marvelous two days seeking new species to add to their Bird-a-thon lists. The opportunity for so many groups to join like-minded souls all focused on seeing birds and raising money for conservation is really what Bird-a-thon is about, regardless of the weather. May is a glorious season to be outdoors, no matter what, and Bird-a-thon 2008 was no exception.
The total amount raised for 2008 was over $146,000. Congratulations to all!
Highlights from Bird-a-thon 2008
- The Drumlin Farm teams won the Brewster Cup by logging 224 species, and Drumlin Farm also won the Hatheway Cup for raising over $42,000. Endicott/North Shore, Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries, Felix Neck and the IBA Team all won Regional Migration Awards for showing the greatest percentage increase in fundraising from 2007 to 2008.
- The Forbush Award (2nd place for most species seen) went to Blue Hills.
- The $ Cup (2nd place for most money raised) went to Joppa Flats.
- 24 teams and more than 675 people participated in Bird-a-thon 2008.
- Ten young birders (under the age of 18) earned the Young Birders Award for spectacular fundraising.
- Altogether over $146,000 was raised in the name of conservation and education by Mass Audubon Bird-a-thoners and their generous sponsors. The Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon is first and foremost a fund raising event, and every dollar raised by each Sanctuary goes toward fostering the mission of Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts.
Also, don’t forget to send me your Team Roster
any later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13th.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD BIRDING!
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