Has your Bird City entered a team in this year’s Great Wisconsin Birdathon yet? It’s not too late to do so.

As we wrote in our last newsletter, the annual event is an irreplaceable fundraiser for bird conservation and research in the state, and it’s a perfect way for Bird Cities to engage their residents in birding, conservation, and education -- and to raise funds for local conservation projects.

That’s why we were cheered to learn that the birdathon will go on this year in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sarah Cameron, coordinator of the birdathon, reports that she and her colleagues at the Natural Resources Foundation have brainstormed three ways that teams can participate safely:

1. Hold a “Big Sit.” Think of it as the tailgate of birding. Set up lawn chairs at least six feet apart, have each team member take a seat, and observe the birds that come your way.

2. Turn your birdathon into a relay. Your team members don’t need to bird in the same location; they can bird solo. Then you compile your results after your big day.

3. Bird in your backyard. Consider the birdathon an opportunity to get to know your backyard birds! Birding in your yard eliminates the need to travel or bird in groups. Sightings can be compiled at day’s end.

This year’s birdathon will take place between April 15 and June 15. To join, visit the event's organizations page, or simply Google "Great Wisconsin Birdathon" and then click on the "Fundraise For Your Own Cause" tab.

Read more:

Read our February 2020 newsletter.

Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2020

2019 Birdathon Raises Over $85,000 for Bird Conservation

Birdathon Helps Push Bird Protection Fund past $1 million Mark