Contributor
Annual Bird Count May 11
Bird-a-thon, Mass Audubon’s annual statewide species identification competition, returns May 10 and May 11, when hundreds of birding enthusiasts of all abilities and backgrounds will engage in a friendly but focused competition to identify the most species in 24 hours.
Between 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, participants equipped with binoculars, spotting scopes, bird guides, and sturdy footwear will be wandering the commonwealth’s coasts and wetlands, forests and fields, ridgetops, and river bottoms, in search of the most species.
The popular two-day marathon takes place during the height of the annual spring migration when millions of birds return to the Bay State to breed and raise young. The competition also serves as a major fundraiser (both in the field and online) for Mass Audubon, the largest nature conservation organization in New England.
Birders will compete and raise money for a dozen teams representing select Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries from the Cape and Islands to the Berkshires. The event will also benefit the organization’s avian-centered mission elements, including its Bird Conservation Department and Coastal Waterbird Program.
Last year, teams recorded 279 species overall, a record for the event now in its fourth decade. The competition was so close that two teams, one from Metropolitan Boston and the other from Cape Cod, tied for first place—each identified 237 individual species. More than $272,00 was raised by 2,400 donors, including the competitors.
“Birds and people have enjoyed a unique connection for centuries, and participating in Bird-a-thon is a fun way to celebrate that bond with others through this friendly competition and fundraiser,” Mass Audubon Director of Bird Conservation John Herbert said. “Everyone involved can feel good about participating and supporting their teammates over two intense days in the field,” Herbert added, “knowing that they are also contributing to the important work this conservation organization does every day, year in and year out.”
To participate in Bird-a-thon and to learn more, please visit massaudubon.org/birdathon.
