Here’s an event you can tweet about: Bird-a-thon, Mass Audubon’s biggest annual fundraiser.
It will take place May 14-15, during peak spring migration period. Participants of all abilities will compete to identify the most bird species and complete nature activities in 24 hours.
“Our mission has always been to connect people with wildlife, and Bird-a-thon allows people of all ages to forge their own connections with the natural world and raise crucial funding so we may continue to carry out that mission,” said Michael P. O’Connor, Mass Audubon’s public relations manager. “As we mark Mass Audubon’s 125th anniversary, our more than 135,000 members and supporters are especially proud to celebrate this worthy legacy.”
The fund-raising goal is $350,000 for Mass Audubon programs and wildlife sanctuaries.
Every participant is encouraged to fundraise for his or her team, but it’s not required; there is no cost to participate.
“Humans have always been fascinated with birdlife, and birds have featured prominently in art, especially music and poetry, throughout history. But most of us regularly experience many avian species in our everyday lives, from robins, blue jays, and sparrows in our yards and neighborhoods to hearing the early morning song of cardinals and chickadees and the “caw” of a crow in flight,” O’Connor said. “Whether by sight or sound, birds help us connect with nature in myriad ways, and learning to identify individual species makes such connections even stronger.”
During Bird-a-thon weekend, all teams will compete by earning points from birding and nature activities and by birding in strategic sub-groups in an effort to identify the greatest number of bird species in 24 hours.
For the 2021 event, 13 teams representing different wildlife sanctuaries will be competing in the field, seeking birds and participating in nature activities (following masking and social distancing protocols). Also, in honor of the organization’s 125th anniversary, participants can choose to take on the challenge of completing a 125-item nature scavenger hunt for a range of nature items like a plant growing in water, the sound of rustling leaves, a rock wall, a fluffy cloud and a set of animal tracks.
Anyone is welcome to join a team, whether a committed birder or nature newcomer; people can participate in Bird-a-thon virtually or in person.
“Bird-a-thon is one of our most popular events, welcoming participants to engage in the natural world in a fun and meaningful way,” Mass Audubon President David J. O’Neill said. “When the pandemic arrived last year, prompting concerns about how Bird-a-thon might be reimagined, Mass Audubon members, donors, and friends responded at a truly inspiring level. As Mass Audubon largest annual fundraiser, we’re confident that sense of commitment will inspire this year’s competition as well.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. May 14 and ends at 6 p.m. on May 15.
Participating wildlife sanctuaries include Arcadia in Easthampton and Northampton and Pleasant Valley in Lenox.
To participate, donate and learn more about Bird-a-thon, go to massaudubon.org/birdathon.
Founded in 1896 by two Boston women who used their voices to stop the slaughter of birds for fashion, Mass Audubon has been an independent organization at the forefront of conservation for the last 125 years.
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Bird-a-thon draws attention to feathered friends - MassLive.com
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