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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend April 28, 2006 Why not give birdathon a try? Would you like to try something really fun and different? How about a birdathon? You've never heard of it? I'll explain. On Saturday, May 6, the Rogue Valley Audubon Society will kick off its annual birdathon to raise money for its educational programs. A birdathon is like a "walk-a-thon," except that participants will ask donors to contribute money for each species of wild bird the participant sees in a 24-hour period. Donations are usually in the 10- to 20-cent range for each species seen. It's a great excuse to get outdoors, enjoy a spring day and help a worthy cause. Audubon programs reached 1,300 students in county public school classrooms in 2005. The education program also supplies leaders and equipment for Project Feeder Watch at North Mountain Park Environmental Center in Ashland and teachers for birding classes aimed at seniors. Birdathons are held during spring migration throughout the United States, with some birders forming teams that compete against each other. They compete to either try to see the most bird species or to raise the most money. Some teams expect to see upwards of 200 species during a 24-hour period. Locally, teams have tallied more than 140 species in Jackson County alone. Normally a 24-hour period is set aside and individuals or teams can use all or part of that day to drive, hike or sit and tally bird species. Some teams limit the search area to one county but others travel more broadly. Several years ago two teams locally began their trek at midnight on the coast and worked their way to the Klamath basin by afternoon and evening. As you can see, it can get crazy. Most folks, however, just like to get out for as long as they like and have fun. Birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the United States, with more than 60 million people considering themselves active bird watchers. And many of those folks participate in the annual birdathon. So, does it sound interesting? If you would like to find out more, contact Dick Ashford at 482-0396. You can register as a counter, form your own team, join an existing team or sponsor someone with a pledge. It doesn't matter if you are a novice birder or a veteran. You are welcome to join in the fun. No matter how much or how little you help, I guarantee it will be fun and greatly appreciated. Richard Cronberg is a birding enthusiast and photographer who lives in Central Point. Write him at P.O. Box 4283, Medford, OR 97501. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy Advertisement s Advertisement