Bird-a-thon

Semi-aquatic Birding Tips

Tips for conducting a Bird-a-thon in the rain

 (archival notes by Wayne Petersen for the storm-challenged 2006 and 2007 Bird-a-thons)

Much as in the National Football League (NFL), Bird-a-thons are never postponed and never cancelled - the game is always played!  Remember some of those wonderful New England Patriots victories in the snow?  Well, Bird-a-thon has been there and back a few times, as well.  So despite whatever dark thoughts might be lurking in the shadowy corners of your mind about whether or not to go birding this weekend, forget them!  The game will be played.

On a serious note, because human safety is such a priority during all Mass Audubon events, Bird-a-thon team leaders are requested to remind all birders working on behalf of their sanctuary or Mass Audubon program that safety during the Bird-a-thon is of utmost concern to the organization.  It is suggested that birders:

• Carefully monitor local weather predictions and modify their birding plans and itineraries accordingly depending on rain, wind, or possible flooding conditions
  
  
• Be especially cognizant of adverse driving conditions created by heavy rain or by the local flooding that is predicted for some areas over the weekend (e.g., Connecticut River Valley and North Shore)
  
  
• Be particularly careful when parking along a road, ensure that you pull to the side as far as possible, use your emergency flashers to warn other motorists, and consider wearing brightly colored clothing to help with visibility
  

With this reality in mind, here are some things that could make participation in this Mass Audubon Rite of Spring particularly interesting this year.
·    It will offer your sponsors, beauty parlor associates, health club colleagues, and fellow officemates something for you to talk about next week.
·    It could make your sponsors feel especially sorry for all the birders who battled the elements on behalf of conservation, which might translate to an unexpected increase in the amount of funds raised.
·    It will give all who venture out of doors in quest of birds on Saturday the chance to experience what real birding is all about.
·    It could demonstrate just how wrong meteorologists can be.
·    It will be equally challenging to all who participate, since the playing field will be more or less level for everyone, unless of course you were clever enough to compete for the IBA Regional Award [;-)].
·    It could produce some really interesting birds as a result of the weather conditions.
·    If you are birding at the coast, be sure to keep a careful eye on the ocean, since the easterly winds that are predicted will often deflect migrating seabirds close to shore under these conditions, especially at this time of year.  Many birders will no doubt remember the amazing Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Phalarope, and Arctic Tern flights of the 2006 pre-Memorial Day storm.