Bird-a-thon

TO:  All Bird-a-thon 2010 Organizers

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

This notice is to let you know that the 2010 Bird-a-thon is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 14 and 15. Last year this annual birding extravaganza logged over 270 species in 24-hours and raised more than $180,000!

Based upon 2009’s Bird-a-thon results we are hopeful that 2010’s birding teams will explore ways to build upon these impressive achievements and the new fund raising techniques initiated last year. Additionally we encourage all teams to seek evermore “green” techniques for use during this annual classic birding event.

Though fair weather generally characterized the event, migrants were seemingly thin, suggesting that conditions were probably better for birds than for birders. We often forget that fair weather favors bird migration, not ground observation.  Cloudless skies and no precipitation to impede migration frequently allow many nocturnal migrants to pass over Massachusetts without stopping. Last year witnessed just such circumstances.

Despite any lack in numerical abundance, optimum birding conditions permitted Bird-a-thon teams to record a robust variety of species. The cumulative tally of 271 different kinds of birds represented a substantial percentage of the bird species likely to be present in Massachusetts during mid-May.

Tardy winter visitors highlighted the 2009 roster of unusual species, with unseasonal lingerers like King Eider, Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, and White-winged Crossbill heading the list. In marked contrast were southern species like Chuck-will's-widow, Prothonotary Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Blue Grosbeak. Even the elusive Long-eared Owl and Sedge Wren were recorded, along with rarities such as Sandhill Crane and Little Gull.

Regardless of how many species were seen, or how unusual they might have been, it is the overall glory of spring migration that represents the magic of Bird-a-thon. A newbie’s first Scarlet Tanager or singing Field Sparrow is every bit as memorable as a Summer Tanager or a Clay-colored Sparrow. And lest we forget, this is what Bird-a-thon is all about!

The total money raised in 2009 was over $182,000. Congratulations to all for their help and participation!

Winner Highlights from Bird-a-thon 2009

• The Drumlin Farm team won the coveted Brewster Cup for the most species seen by finding 228 species.
• The Blue Hills Trailside Museum came in at a very close second, with 224 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 $46,850.
• The IBA 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.
• 24 teams and nearly 700 people participated in Bird-a-thon 2009.
• Ten young birders (under the age of 18) earned the Young Birders Award for spectacular fundraising.
• Altogether over $180,000 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 have questions, contact me at wpetersen@massaudubon.org
or by phone at (781) 259-2178

Also please don’t forget to have all team members register for the Bird-a-thon at http://www.firstgiving.com/massaudubon no later than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12th.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD BIRDING!