Search
Close this search box.

Birdathon

The Maine Audubon Birdathon is an annual bird-watching event during spring migration in which participants try to identify as many bird species as possible in one day.

The Birdathon is an annual fundraiser for Maine Audubon that supports our mission to conserve Maine’s wildlife and habitat. Whether you are a beginning or serious birder, you can join the fun!

How can I participate?

You have options!

  1. REGISTER your own team.
  2. SUBMIT a one-time donation to support an existing team.
  3. PLEDGE to support a team.

Join a team or make a contribution here: Bird-a-thon 2019 Crowdrise Page

Birdathon Guidelines

  • Form a team or contact Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox to ask about teams you can join.
  • Gather pledges from friends, families, neighbors, and co-workers.
  • Count birds only if they are alive, outdoors, and unrestrained.
  • You can count birds at feeders and attract birds by using recorded bird songs.
  • Identify birds conclusively by sight or sound. If in doubt about a bird’s identity, don’t count it.
  • Be mindful of breeding birds and their habitats. In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment must come first.
  • Pack binoculars, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable shoes, water, layers of clothing, field guides, and maps.
  • Plan to take frequent breaks and bring plenty of snacks.
  • Come up with a fabulous name for your team.
  • Decide what your route and time frame will be for your birding expedition. How much time do you want to spend out in the field? Where do you want to go? What time of day is optimal to see the birds you want to see?
  • Pat yourself on the back. You’re raising money for a great cause – the conservation of Maine wildlife and habitat!

How do I gather pledges?

  • Let people know why you are participating in the Birdathon and why you are supporting Maine Audubon.
  • Ask family, friends, relatives, work associates, neighbors, etc. to support your participation in Birdathon by sponsoring your team and making a secure online donation through Crowdrise.
  • Send an email to five friends and ask them to send out an email to five friends and so on.
  • Make sure you thank your sponsors!

Questions?

Please get in touch with Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist, at 207.781.2330 x237. If you want to hone your craft before the big day, you can join Doug every Thursday morning for a bird walk at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth.