Bird-a-thon

TO:  All Bird-a-thon 2011 Organizers

FROM:
Wayne Petersen
Director
Massachusetts Important Bird Area (IBA) Program

This notice is to let you know that the 2011 Bird-a-thon is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 13 and 14. Last year, over 650 birders participated in this annual birding extravaganza, logging 268 species in 24-hours and raised more than $170,000!

Based upon 2010’s Bird-a-thon results we are hopeful that 2011’s birding teams will explore creative new ways to build upon these impressive achievements. Additionally we encourage all teams to seek evermore “green” techniques for use during this annual classic birding event.

Bird-a-thon 2010 was a resounding success. Blessed with fair weather and fine birding conditions for the second year in a row, it was not surprising that among the numerous, more common, and expected bird species recorded were also some stunning surprises. Among these were an assortment of out-of-season species (e.g., rough-legged hawk, marbled godwit, fox sparrow, and Lapland longspur), rare but increasingly frequent potential breeding species (e.g., black vulture and clay-colored sparrow), and several totally unexpected rarities (e.g., purple gallinule, cave swallow, and western tanager).

It is with great pride that we report below the complete list of award winners. In addition to these tributes, goes Mass Audubon’s deepest thanks to the many Bird-a-thon donors, whose generosity and enthusiasm inspire us each year. 

The total money raised in 2010 was over $170,000. Congratulations to all for their help and participation!

Winner Highlights from Bird-a-thon 2010

• The Drumlin Farm team won the coveted Brewster Cup for the most species seen by finding 230 species.


• The Blue Hills Trailside Museum came in second, with 214 species – a total that earned them the Forbush Award.


• The Drumlin Farm team also won the Hatheway Cup for maximum funds raised with their total of $34,820.


• The IBA Regional Award (a.k.a. The Low Carbon Footprint Award) went to the IBA Team with its 165 species (97% of the birding par value for the South Shore IBA Region).


• The $ Cup (2nd place for most money raised) went to Joppa Flats.


• 26 teams and nearly 700 people participated in Bird-a-thon 2010.


• Seven young birders (under the age of 18) earned the Young Birders Award for spectacular fundraising.


• Altogether over $170,000 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 – one where every dollar raised by each participating Sanctuary or program goes toward fostering the mission of Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts.

If you’re planning on raising money for your team this year, you can easily create a fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/massaudubon where your supporters can donate safely and securely online.

Please feel free to contact me at wpetersen@massaudubon.org or by phone at (781) 259-2178 if you have any questions.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD BIRDING!