2nd Annual World Migratory Bird Day Birdathon

Dear Members and supporters of Birds Korea,

We invite you to join us in celebration of World Bird Migration Day 2012. We are holding our 2nd Annual Birds Korea Birdathon on the weekend of 12 — 13 May 2012.

Last year’s results were excellent and we raised funds to continue our research of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. For the Birdathon, we had several participants and a great deal of fun. This year, our hopes are to continue this event and make it a tradition. We welcome everyone to participate or act as a sponsor and make a pledge.

A Birdathon is very simple. Within a 24 hour period, the participants (which can be an individual or group) will challenge themselves to see as many different species as possible. This could take place within a village, city, or one could even go to greater lengths and span the country. Last year, our director Dr. Nial Moores took the lead with 104 species on Eocheong-do, a very good place to be in May! Barry Heinrich came in second, with nice count of 93. Regardless of your expertise, this Birdathon is an excellent way to get out birding and see many beautiful species for a great cause – supporting conservation.

Participants are responsible for gathering their own sponsors (and gathering as many as they can!). Each sponsor will then pledge a donation for every different species seen by that participant or group of participants (birders).

A lot of folks asked, “How much should a sponsor pledge?” It’s really up to the sponsor. Some pledged 1000W a species, and others pledged more. The more you pledge, the more you support conservation.

Funds raised this year will again go towards our study of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

The Spoon-billed Sandpiper is in imminent danger of extinction and unless the current rate of decline (approximately a quarter of the adult population per year) is stemmed, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper will become extinct in little over a decade. Our research, conducted on behalf of the international Task Force for the species, will improve understanding of its distribution and feeding needs – vital information for conservation of this charismatic shorebird, both here in the ROK and globally.

Please join us as a Birds Korea Birdathon participant or sponsor.

To register or for any comments or questions, please email at jason.loghry@birdskorea.org.

We have created a sponsor sheet for you to use which you can download here:
2012 Birdathon Sponsor Sheet

One comment on “2nd Annual World Migratory Bird Day Birdathon

  1. Pingback: Birds Korea Birdathon: May 11th -12th « Birds Korea Blog

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