Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or you simply enjoy viewing our feathered friends flit through the neighborhood, your chance to get outside and spend some time with the birds for a good cause is coming soon.
From April 15 to May 31, people of all ages are invited to participate in the Seattle Audubon’s 22nd annual Birdathon, a fundraiser that challenges participants to spot the most bird species during a single day.
“Apart from being a fundraiser, it’s a great chance to get outside and be a part of the community,” said Emiko Blalock, Seattle Audubon’s development manager.
Participants choose one day within the time frame to count as many bird as they can, and they have the option of joining Birdathon field trips throughout the region, which are especially helpful for beginner birdwatchers, Blalock said.
Although there is a small fee to participate in the walks, all the money collected also is part of the fundraiser for Seattle Audubon’s conservation programs.
And, of course, there are prizes for whoever counts the most birds or raises the most money, and then some.
“This year it’s pretty exciting because we have a grand prize drawing,” Blalock added. Anyone who raises at least $250 is entered to win two round-trip plane tickets on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air.
Hint hint, “The odds are really good right now,” Blalock added.
You can sign up for the Birdathon online, or if you’d prefer a paper Birdathon packet, contact Leah at 523-4483, ext. 16, or birdathon@seattleaudubon.org.
Interested in the area field trips? There will be two walks in Northeast Seattle:
- The Seattle Audubon Nature Shop invites beginners to its location at 8050 35th Ave. N.E. for the North Seattle Neighborhood Walk at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 24. This trip will start in the classroom with pictures and bird skins, focusing on basic bird identification and their habitat needs before hitting some of the neighborhood hot spots. For more information, contact Seattle Audubon Conservation Director Matt Mega at 523-8243, ext. 38. Donation is $15.
- Explore some of Seattle’s best birding hot spots, including Magnuson Park, the Montlake Fill, Foster Island and the Arboretum, without using a drop of gasoline at the Bike and Bird Magnuson Park to the Arboretum, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25. The tour starts at the shelter west of the boat launch parking lot at the Northeast 65th Street entrance, located on the right at end of the drive into park. The route is nearly level and about 4.5 miles each way. Bring your bike, helmet, binoculars, snacks, and dress for the weather. Donation is 15.
