Bird-a-thon fundraiser lifts off Friday-Saturday, May 13-14

LINCOLN, MA—Bird-a-thon, Mass Audubon’s largest statewide fundraiser and popular birding competition, returns Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14, with a stronger-than-ever commitment to support the statewide conservation organization’s important work.

This year’s event will again feature participants of all ages, backgrounds, and birding abilities—from seasoned experts to families and children starting their birding journeys—on 13 teams supporting Mass Audubon’s mission to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.  

Over a 24-hour period (from 6 pm that Friday evening until 6 pm Saturday) the teams will vie to raise the most funds and see (or hear) the most species, all to support Mass Audubon’s essential conservation, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Each member raises money for sanctuaries or programs associated with their teams, in addition to birding. Donations can also be made individually by non-competing supporters. 

Untold numbers of individuals and families continue to discover the physical and mental health benefits of the outdoors, connecting (or reconnecting) with nature, and forming communities in support of the environment.

This friendly competition creates such communities: Uniting like-minded birders and other nature lovers within their teams while connecting them to the larger Bird-a-thon purpose. Last year’s event drew upwards of a thousand participants (with 274 species identified) and raised more than $300,000. 

Bird-a-thon is at heart a fun, family-focused event with a serious purpose: to financially support Mass Audubon’s enduring commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Birds, which for many people have served as living gateways to the natural world, face increasing threats from climate change and loss of habitat—and they need our help now more than ever.  

“That’s why this year’s Bird-a-thon is so important,” Chief Development Officer Victoria Jones said. “Protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats they depend on; engaging visitors at our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries; and helping everyone from preschoolers to elders connect with nature; all of that work requires substantial financial resources. 

“And with our five-year Action Agenda also prioritizing stronger climate action and a commitment to access to nature for all, Mass Audubon’s goals have only grown more ambitious,” Jones noted. 

Mass Audubon is joined this year in presenting Bird-a-thon by supporters including Premier sponsor State Street Corporation and Lead sponsor Camosse Masonry Supply. WBUR returns as Media Partner.