Published: 5/11/2020 9:14:40 AM
From restaurant closures to closed parks, social distancing requirements have put a temporary stay on a lot of different activities. And while most of the region is shuttered inside, one activity, in particular, is still accessible: Birding. Mass Audubon’s Bird-a-thon, which typically sends teams of birders rambling throughout the state in a friendly competition to identify birds over 24 hours, is staying at home this year to respect social distancing advisement.
Later this month, local birders will be grabbing their binoculars and settling down with notepads to try and identify the most species as possible in one day.
The fundraising event, which is Mass Audubon’s biggest of the year, is expected to attract hundreds of competitors of all abilities. Participants will select bird observation spots — a window, backyard, or a green space within short walking or biking distance from their homes.
To that end, according to a statement about the event, the Arcadia/Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries Team welcomes birders of all experience levels (including beginners) to join its official birding team. From 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 through 6 p.m. on May 16, they’ll spend time observing and identifying species from their birding positions, solo or with other household members. Competitors join teams representing different Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries and programs.
Their pledges can be directed to specific wildlife sanctuaries and programs or to the overall organization, the state’s largest nature conservation nonprofit.
Participants can also earn points for their team by completing other fun, nature-based activities or as “Bird-a-thon Boosters,” who raise money while birding for fun (or not birding at all).
The bird identification marathon is scheduled to take place during the height of spring migration, when millions of birds are returning to Massachusetts to breed and raise young, or stopping to rest and feed in the Bay State before continuing north. During this opportune period, birders can observe species they typically do not see during the rest of the year.
Last year’s event raised $240,000 and recorded 273 species, with Connecticut River Valley sanctuaries garnering $8,492 for its work through the event.
Team Leader Patti Steinman acknowledged that the 2020 Bird-a-thon will be different, in response to COVID-19, “but we are confident that veteran competitors as well as newcomers will rise to the challenge.
“This fun event is appropriate for nature lovers of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds — even from home,” Steinman noted. “Participants will connect with nature while also raising crucial funds for Mass Audubon’s initiatives and wildlife sanctuaries, which will be especially important this year.”
The statement notes that Mass Audubon protects more than 38,000 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and other wildlife and making nature accessible to everyone. As the state’s largest nature conservation nonprofit, the organization welcomes more than a half million visitors a year to statewide wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. The organization was founded in 1896.
Today, Mass Audubon offers thousands of camp, school and adult programs that get over 225,000 kids and adults outdoors every year.
Sponsors of this year’s Bird-a-thon include Presenting Sponsors Ream Design of Ayer and Camosse Masonry Supply of Worcester and Media Sponsor, public radio station WBUR.
To participate, donate, and to learn more about Bird-a-thon, please visit https://ift.tt/2pDRl74.
Andy Castillo can be reached at acastillo@recorder.com.
0 Response to "Mass Audobon Bird-a-thon fundraising event to stay close to home this year - The Recorder"
Post a Comment