The Bird-a-thon is on for 2024!
Details for this year
The Delaware Bird-A-Thon (BAT) is back this spring, so mark your calendars and get ready to do some birding for a great cause! In the 18 years since it began, the Bird-A-Thon has raised almost $800,000 for conservation, helped preserve 2,768 acres of habitat and supports DOS's Conservation Science Grants program. Given this track record, we are thrilled to announce that this year's Bird-A-Thon will take place from May 4-12, 2024! Brochures will be mailed directly to members in April, but registration forms, the full list of rules, and tips and tricks for a successful Bird-A-Thon are available below if you scroll down.
Property target for the 2024 Bird-a-thon
For this year's Bird-A-Thon, DOS is partnering with the Sussex County Land Trust to support the protection and restoration of Ard Na Greine (Irish Gaelic for "Sunny Heights"), an 88-acre property that is one of the last remaining parcels of open space in Lewes, DE. The property is located on the Lewes-Georgetown trail and public access is planned from both the trail and a future parking area. The project is adjacent to Ebenezer Branch, which flows into Canary Creek and the Great Marsh north of Lewes.
A master plan will be developed to restore habitat on the current farm fields and to provide for future passive recreation opportunities. DOS will be involved as a stakeholder in the restoration planning. The grassroots support of the Delaware Bird-A-Thon will be leveraged to help the Sussex County Land Trust raise additional funds from other donors and foundations to complete the $9 million project."
What is the Delaware Bird-A-Thon?
The Bird-A-Thon is a fundraiser focused on purchasing, restoring and conserving critical bayshore habitat in Delaware. Over 17 years we have raised over $700,000 and protected 2600 acres of habitat for shorebirds and other coastal species of concern. Many of these sites are used by long-distance migrants, including the famous Red Knot. A portion of the funds are also used to support the DOS Conservation Science Grants program.
How does the Bird-a-Thon work?
Paricipants in the Bird-A-Thon try to see how many birds they can find in a 24-hour period and how much money they can raise by signing up sponsors to support them. Sponsors can pledge either a set sum of money or an amount of money per bird species seen or heard. Sign up your sponsors and then go find birds in your backyard, wander through your neighborhood, explore a state park, or bird the entire state! Have fun birding while helping to purchase or restore crtical bird habitat!
How can I donate to the Bird-a-Thon?
If you aren't able to participate in the field but you want to support the effort, you or your business can donate directly to the Bird-a-Thon fund. All contributions are tax-deductible. You can either make a general donation or you can support a specific team you like or pledged to. If you want your contribution to go to a specific team, enter the team name where indicated on the onlinedonation form.
I want to help raise money. How do I sign up a Bird-a-thon team?
You can either bird by yourself or you can form a team with other birders. You shoud then register your team using the online form or by printing out the PDF form and mailing it in. Once you are registered, you need to find sponsors to pledge to your Bird-a-thon. See the tips below.
Your sponsors can either use the online form (button above) to send in their donations (preferred) or they can mail a check directly to DOS (made out to Delaware Ornithological Society) or they can give the check to you. If you collect checks, please be sure to mail them to us using the pledge form below so we receive them by 15 June.
What are the rules for the Delaware Bird-A-Thon?
- Time period: May 4th-12th, 2024
- Count must be conducted during a single 24-hour period.
- Birds may be identified either by sight or sound in Delaware, maritime boundaries included.
- For teams, 2 or more team members must identify the bird.
- Participants must adhere to the ABA Code of Birding Ethics.
- Record birds on the checklist provided below or use eBird and create an eBird trip report for the day (preferred)
- Wild birds only, no zoo birds or escapees are eligible.
- To be eligible for prizes, all checklists, pledge sheets, and funds must be received by June 15th.
- Mail completed checklist or link to eBird trip report, pledge form and any collected donations to: DOS, PO Box 4247, Greenville, DE 19807.
- We will calculate your total donations from all sources (online and checks) so you only have to track the donations you collect personally.
Categories
Statewide: The traditional Bird-A-Thon format. Birds are counted throughout the state using any method of transport.
Carbon-free: Lessen your impact on the planet by birding only by walking, biking, and other carbon emissions-free transport methods
County Challenge: Bird within one of Delaware's three amazing counties!
Yard Challenge: Bird from your yard or immediate neighborhood!
Patch Challenge: Bird at a single favorite location, such as a local park or wildlife area!
Photography Challenge: Only photographed birds are counted! Test your photography skills with this fun new category!
Tips for a Successful Bird-a-Thon
Part of the fun is getting sponsors. Here are some tips for fundraising!
