Hello Everyone,
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2011, we at Birds Korea want to encourage you to join in raising funds for research of the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in the ROK.
We are holding a Birds Korea Birdathon on the weekend of May 14-15.
Here’s how a Birdathon works: people count birds and collect pledges from sponsors based on the number of species they see. All you have to do is register and on May 14th, start counting. You can do it alone, with a group, or even with your family. You don’t have to be an expert – some people even count from their backyard, or count the birds around their neighborhood or local park. Others cover dozens of kilometers in a day, observing over 100 species in some areas. The key is to have fun!
In order to participate, every participant must simply be able to identify different bird species and have at least one sponsor. Sponsors make a pledge for every bird species seen. And yes, you can even participate outside of the ROK. Your results will be posted on the blog.
How much should sponsors pledge? Well, as much as they want! For every bird a participant sees, a sponsor pays a certain amount. That could be 500 Won a bird species, or 1000 Won a bird species, or more if you want! It’s up to you. The more funds we raise, the more we can do. All Birdathon proceeds will go to Birds Korea and our work for the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, one of the worlds rarest and fastest declining migratory species.
This event is held in honor of World Bird Migration Day 2011 (WBMD).
This year’s WBMD theme, “Land use changes from a bird’s eye view,” encourages us to take a look at humankind’s dramatic impact on the global environment. Out of the 515 adequately-documented species that occur in the ROK, 450 occur regularly, and amongst this splendid diversity of birds, probably 90 % are migratory. All are affected by land use changes. These range from the homely Tree Sparrow to the magnificent shorebirds which undertake some of the longest non-stop migrations in the world. Korea truly is at the heart of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway. Please join us and others in working together to conserve it.
Please join us as a Birds Korea Birdathon participant or sponsor.
To register or for any comments or questions, please email us here. We sincerely appreciate for your participation and support.
Sounds great, Jason! Would love to be part of this. Only problem is, I plan to head to one of the offshore islands on 14th May, so will be traveling most of that day ….. is there any chance I could do my Birdathon on 15th instead? What do you think?
Mr. Le Croissette!! Yes, great question! Participation on either the 14th or 15th is completely acceptable and welcomed so long as it is within a single 24 hour period of one of the dates… Offshore Island?? Looking forward to seeing your list! Good luck and thank you for your participation!
This is a great concept, Jason! It works and the beauty thereof is that the birds can also play a role. The more species are seen, the more money gets donated – BRILLIANT! I have a few questions which I would appreciate an answer to.
1. How can I get a Korean sponsor as language will pose a barrier?
2. Is there a possibility that the Korean membership of Birds Korea can lend a helping hand with communication?
3. Are there a number of Korean companies/individuals that are pro environmental initiatives? It could possibly be easier to approach such companies/individuals as they would most probably have had exposure to such events.
4. Potential international sponsors would most probably have ample opportunities in their own countries to sponsor similar fundraising initiatives. What is your take on this? Is it not maybe a good chance to create at least some awareness amongst the local community by getting Korean sponsors?
What do you think?
Hi Mr. Meyer! Thank you for this comment! Many great questions. Birds Korea will definitely lend a helping hand with communication when needed. Sponsors of any nationality are more than welcomed, and local sponsors within the ROK are of course encouraged. Sponsors could be companies, organisations, individuals, friends, family; anyone willing to pledge an amount towards our mission and their chosen participant. It is mostly up to the participant to choose or gather sponsors and pledges, and have as much fun as they can! I hope this helps! Good luck and thank you as well for your participation!!
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