"Birding  a Better Tomorrow!"

We need to take immediate action to protect Oregon’s birds.  You can do your share by participating in Birdathon 2008!

•  Make a Birdathon donation
  

•  Register and join a Birdathon team

•  Become a Birdathon Sponsor
  

Please take this opportunity to support to one the oldest and most effective bird conservation organizations in the nation; The Audubon Society of Portland.

Did you know?
The National Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy recently released NATIONAL WATCHLIST 2007, the newest and most scientifically accurate list of America’s birds at greatest risk. Fifty-four of the species on this list are found in Oregon, a significant number of which occur right here in the Portland Metro Area! They include the willow flycatcher, olive-sided flycatcher, short-eared owl and varied thrush.
 
You can help bring awareness to this issue and keep these species from slipping further toward extinction. Begin by participating in Birdathon 2008!   

What is Birdathon?  Birdathon is the uniquely Audubon way to help protect Oregon’s native birds. Anyone can participate: expert birders, casual birdwatchers and beginners too. We all come together to document Oregon’s birds and raise funds for the Audubon Society of Portland.

It works like a walk-a-thon: this year over 300 “birdathoners” will collect pledges for finding and counting bird species. It’s a competitive and educational event for any level of birdwatcher, as well as for their family and friends who cheer them on! You can join our guided trips, organize your own trip or count independently.  Guided trips range from intensive 2 day “gonzo” trips to a relaxing morning sitting and watching birds in the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.  All trips are led by birding experts and are a great way to make new friends and connect with other bird lovers. There are trips for kids and adults, beginners to experts. We have special interest trips too, like birding by bicycle or birding by public transportation!  Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, Portland Audubon has a Birdathon trip for you – or we’ll help you organize one.
 

How does it work? “Birdathoners” ask their family and friends to pledge a donation to the Audubon Society of Portland on a fixed or “per-species” basis. Then, they go out on their trip and find as many species as possible in a period of up to 48 consecutive hours. Finally, they collect their pledges. This year we expect well over 2,000 people will support our “Birdathoners” with a pledge!

We end our event with the Birdathon Banquet on Friday, June 20th. You can join us for an evening of fine dining swapping stories, and awarding prizes. We'll be giving away high quality binoculars, weekend getaways, magazine subscriptions and lots more!  All prizes are generously donated by our Birdathon sponsors.

Make 2008 our best year ever!  Here at the Audubon Society of Portland, we organize the most successful Birdathon of any Audubon chapter nationwide, raising well over $100,000. This year, please help us reach our fund-raising goal of $135,000!

How can businesses participate?  Birdathon now provides an opportunity for businesses to participate through Event Sponsorship, thereby gaining visibility to thousands of people on our web pages and in the monthly Warbler. In addition, your business can form its own company team with leaders provided by Audubon Society of Portland. For information about becoming an event sponsor, creating a company team, or specific levels and benefits of event sponsorship, contact Gary Slone at gary.audubon@gmail.com or Ann Takamoto at atakamoto@audubonportland.org

For more Birdathon information please contact:

Gary Slone
Birdathon Coordinator
gary.audubon@gmail.com