So
What Is A Birdathon
Anyway?
Our 1st annual
Bird-A-Thon, organized by
George Marks, was held on
April 21, 2002. The Charlotte
Birdathon is
an opportunity to have fun with friends, challenge
yourself, and to raise
money for a good cause. One day each spring PRAS
members and others interested
birders survey the countryside
and coastal areas of Charlotte
County in teams or as individual photographers finding as many
different species of wild
birds as possible. This fundraising
event is reminiscent of a
walkathon but instead of
walking,
participants are birding or photographing birds. See RULES for details.
Prior to the big day, participants
look for sponsors. Sponsors
are any individual or organization
who would like to pledge
an amount such as 10¢ per
bird species identified or
a fixed amount of $20 or  whatever
amount the donor chooses.
You can
join in the fun by forming a team of friends, picking a name, and scouring the county on bird day. Also, please find a few individuals or businesses to sponsor to your team. If you can't be there on the big day, join us by
pledging a contribution.
If you would like to participate
on April 6th either by making
a pledge or by joining us
that day, please email the Birdathon Coordinator.
After the big day, teams will collect the money from their sponsors, and turn it in to the Birdathon coordinator no later than the next PRAS meeting in April . The "per species" amount pledged will be calculated on the total bird species seen by all teams combined during the Birdathon. For past results click here.
Where
Does the Money Raised
Go?
The proceeds from this year's Birdathon will be placed in the Peace River Auduson Society Youth Environmental Education Fund, which was established to support youth environmental education programs within Charlotte County. These programs include (but are not limited to) the 4th Grade Enviornmental Education Field Trip Program which is conducted by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) in cooperation with the Charlotte County Public School System, interpretative wading trips for second-grade classes, educating them about the marine flora and fauna of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary System (also provided by CHEC), and Audubon Adventures magazines for third and fourth grade classes upon request. The education fund may be expanded to include DeSoto County as there is no Audubon Society there.
Here is your opportunity
to enjoy the excitement of
participating in a Birdathon
and make a difference by
supporting worthy causes. Understanding
through education is the
key to developing a love
and life-long appreciation
of our valuable natural resources.
You can help our young people
gain that appreciation.
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Invitation to enter the 12th Annual
Charlotte Birdathon 2013
Saturday, April 6
? a.m. until 5 p.m.
Objective:
To have fun while raising money
for youth environmental education.
Rules:
| 1. |
Category 1 teams may
consist of two, three, or four members who will find
bird species anywhere in Charlotte County.
Category 2 teams will have two members
who will find birds in a restricted area of their
own choosing in Charlotte County. The restrictions
must be specified on the application.
Category 3 is for individuals who
will photograph as many species as possible anywhere
in Charlotte County
|
| 2. |
Team members should remain together and may not split into subteams. |
| 3. |
Only bird species seen or heard by at least two team
members can be counted. Identifiable photographs are
the proof for Category 3 individuals. |
| 4. |
Only birds seen, heard, or photographed by team members
within Charlotte County can be counted. |
| 5. |
Only birds seen, heard or photographed by team members
between the hours of 12:01 a.m. until 5 p.m. can be
counted. |
| 6. |
No artificial aids, such as bird call tapes, can be used. |
| 7. |
The Birdathon will start at a time and place of your
own choosing, after midnight We typically have begun
at 7 AM, but some have requested an earlier start to
search for owls. All teams will meet at 5 PM at a central
location to share results and celebrate. Notice of place
and arrangements will be in the March White Bird and
posted on the PRAS Updates
email . |
There is no cost for entry, but team members are requested to obtain some sponsorship or a pledge of so many cents per species. A sponsorship of at least $10 per team member or a pledge of at least 10 cents per bird species seen by all teams combined would be very gratefully received. All money raised will be used by Peace River Audubon Society to further the environmental education of young people in Charlotte County.
Click here for
rules and entry forms
or contact Dave Lancaster at birdathon@peaceriveraudubon.org or
(586)
214-0203.
Teams can be entered as late as Friday, April 5. For last minute entry, call or email Dave Lancaster: DJL8339@comcast.net. |
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