Modified: June 30, 2010
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ABO and Arctic Audubon host a friendly competitive fundraiser each year during the spring migration season. This is a fun way to raise money for both organizations, learn what birds come to Alaska to breed, and to get out and enjoy spring. Get friends and family to pledge money toward your birding efforts and find as many species as you can in one 24 hour period. Thank you to the 2010 Birdathon Supporters and Participants!Thank you to all who participated in the Farthest North Birdathon by doing a Birdathon or a Big Sit or by pledging to someone who was! A good time was had by all while raising money for Arctic Audubon Society and ABO.
The Big Sit, new this year, attracted a number of folks who joined ABO and Arctic Audubon birders at Wedgewood Resort’s Wander Lake. Big Sit Participants counted 34 species (including a mallard hen with 9 ducklings) as well as beavers. Join us in May of 2011 for the next Birdathon and Big Sit! Thank you to our generous Farthest North Birdathon 2010 Sponsors
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What’s a Birdathon?
A birdathon is like a walkathon. Instead of logging miles, participants log bird species. Anyone can participate, even if you can’t tell a chickadee from a chicken!
Why Do It?
First, birdwatching is fun! More importantly, it’s a great way to raise crucial funding for the Arctic Audubon Society and Alaska Bird Observatory. The money you raise helps fund scientific research, environmental education, and bird conservation projects.
To register:
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Collect pledges from as many sponsors as possible: family, friends, colleagues, businesses, etc. Don’t be shy. You’ll be surprised how many people will contribute!
Where should I look for birds?
1. Fairbanks Birding Hot Spots
2. FAIRBANKS AREA HIKING & BIRDING GUIDE
Produced by the Arctic Audobon Society, the FAIRBANKS AREA HIKING & BIRDING GUIDE is a 23-by-35 inch fold out map showing the locations of 35 popular hiking and birding spots that are easy to access and on public land. The map includes a guide to the many species of birds in the area. The reverse side of the map has detailed information about each trail. Available at the ABO Gift Shop. $12 on consignment (no member discount).
3. Or join ABO and Arctic Audubon on a Guided Walk or Guided Big Sit.
Call 451-7159 or email nsmith@alaskabird.org for more information.
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FARTHEST NORTH BIRDATHON & BIG SIT RULES & ETHICS
The point of the Birdathon is to have fun while raising money for bird conservation. However, if you want to compete for a “Most Species Seen” bragging rights award, the following rules must be observed. Other Birdathoners should use these rules as a guide.
ETHICS
- To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise caution during observation. Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas and important feeding sites.
- Do not enter private property without the owner’s permission.
- Follow all laws, rules and regulations governing use of roads and public areas.
- Birdathoners are encouraged to share helpful information with other participants/teams.
BIRDATHON RULES
1. Counting
a. Birds must be conclusively identified by sight or sound. Use common sense: if in doubt about the bird’s identity, don’t count it. For species using nest boxes, you may count that species without disturbing the birds if you recently documented that it is indeed still an occupied box and you visit the area adjacent to the tree for several minutes during your official count period.
b. Birds must be listed by the American Ornithologists’ Union. Introduced species, other than Rock Doves, Starlings, Humboldt Penguins and House Sparrows, may not be counted.
c. A bird identified to one of a species or family group (i.e. scaup, gull or hawk) may be counted as a species if no other in that group is counted.
d. Birds counted must be alive, wild and unrestrained. Eggs do not count as birds!
2. Time
All counting must be done within a single, continuous 24-hour period and may overlap two calendar days. Counting periods must fall between 12:01 a.m. on May 15 and 11:00 a.m. on May 23 to be eligible for most prizes and awards.
3. Area
Any geographic area in Alaska may be covered, including offshore areas. You may still do your Birdathon outside of Alaska, but you will not be eligible for certain awards.
4. Travel
Travel may be by any means, provided that team members travel the same route at the same time.
5. Participants
a. Any number of participants (1 to n+1) may constitute a team. Awards for most money raised will be calculated as the average amount raised per team.
b. Participants must remain within direct voice contact distance of their team members while identifying and counting birds. Voice contact by two-way radios or cellular phones does not qualify.
BIG SIT RULES
1. Observations can be made from any area within the state.
2. Observations can only be made from within a 17-foot (diameter) circle.
3. There’s no limit to how many people can occupy a circle (other than the obvious spatial limitations). Bring some chairs. Have a picnic or barbeque. Welcome passers-by and their contributions to your list.
4. If a bird is seen or heard from within the circle but is too distant to identify, the circle can be left to get a closer look/listen for confirmation. However, any new bird seen or heard while confirming the original, can’t be counted unless it’s seen or heard from an “anchor” who stayed behind in your circle, or when you return to your spot.
5. Participants can work in shifts. No one person needs to be there throughout the whole Big Sit The area can be left and returned to as frequently as desired, but you must be sure to return to the exact spot each time.
6. The same circle must be used for the entire Big Sit.
7. The Big Sit can occur during any 24 hour period between 12:01 am May 15 and 11:00 am May 23.
