From Bobbi Manian,teams coordinator. Contact: BBCbirdathon2014@gmail.com
Don't forget May 10th is International Migratory Bird Day! Brooklyn Bird Club is holding our annual Birdathon and teams are forming now.
What is a Birdathon? Teams of birders chose an area to bird, such as Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery, even all of Brooklyn. They try to see as many birds as possible on this day. Team members solicit pledges from friends and family, either an amount per bird or a flat amount.
What are the Pledges for? This year's theme is dedicated to habitat protection in Prospect Park. The goal is to implement fencing along a long-neglected portion of the Peninsula shoreline and woodlands. Bitterns, Connecticut Warbler and other rarities have been seen in this area in the past. As with many other areas of the park, this habitat is under stress but if we can protect it better with fencing, we could see much more bird activity in coming years.
How do I participate? Anyone can participate by organizing a team, joining a team, or pledging to a team. Bobbi Manian will be acting as coordinator and would be happy to hook you up with a team or help you organize one of your own. No need to devote the full day--if you can only do a few hours, Bobbi will match you up with a like-minded team. Contact: BBCbirdathon2014@gmail.com
For those who want to bird but not go crazy there will also be two walks that day. In Prospect Park, Introduction To Birdwatching meets at Noon by the Audubon Center and will walk until 2:00. Bring your own binoculars. In addition, Janet Schumacher will be leading a walk in Greenwood Cemetery. Meet at 8 am at the entrance at PPW and 20th street. You can solicit pledges from friends/families for how many birds you see on the walks, or you can make a donation and give it to the leader.
I can't bird that day, how else can i help? You can still make a donation! Checks can be made out to Prospect Park Alliance with a note in the memo field "Peninsula Fence Project". Donations are tax deductible and acknowledgment of your donation will come directly from the PPA. Send your check to Bobbi Manian, 227 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11231.
