Here in Florida we are experiencing the wonders of the bird migration season. In an effort to bird together – even when we are physically apart – Audubon Florida is launching its Earth Day Birdathon!
The Earth Day Birdathon will have two parts:
1) Staff
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Audubon staff will engage in a 24-hour effort to record as many species as possible – in their own backyards! From the forests of Tallahassee to the shores of the Atlantic, from the heat of South Florida to the rural countryside, team members will count the birds that inspire our conservation, policy, education, and research programs.
Audubon Florida continues to safely protect the places birds need to survive and thrive, even during the coronavirus outbreak. To spur Audubon staff to count as many birds as humanly possible, make a pledge for each species they record in their 24-hour effort!
2) Audubon Members and Supporters
Starting the very same day, we invite all members of the Florida birding community to contribute their backyard observations for an entire week. How many of the Sunshine State’s birds can we spot together? Will you all crush Audubon’s total? Let’s find out!
The Rules for the Week-long, Public Birdathon:
Starting April 22, the Birdathon will begin! The rules are simple:
1) Record the birds you see from your window or your backyard. Social distancing and self isolation remain critically important, so ONLY birds spotted from your Florida window or backyard will count.
2) At the end of each day, record your observations in this Google form. Observations can be submitted from April 22 through midnight on April 29.
3) Repeat. Each day you submit observations will enter you into a new chance to win fun prizes! As long as you submit data, you can earn up to one entry each day.
4) Are you under 12? Submit your observations with the help of a parent and you are entered to win special prizes in our youth category!
5) All rules of ethical birding apply.
6) Are you taking pictures of the birds you see? Tag them with #ISawABird and #AFBirdathon for a chance to be featured on our social media and webpage!
The Prizes:
For the Youth Category:
A free membership to the Adopt-a-Raptor program at the Center for Birds of Prey and corresponding stuffed animal. Click here to learn more.
For the Adult Category:
An 8 x 10 in print of your choice from local artist Kristen Summers. Click here to learn more.
A 16 x 20 in canvas spoonbill print from celebrated nature photographer RJ Wiley. Click here to learn more.
An Everglades book by National Geographic Explorer Mac Stone. Click here to learn more.
Will you join us this Earth Day? For updates, follow our Facebook page. For questions, feel free to email us at flconservation@audubon.org.
