May Audubon Birdathon

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is now accepting registrations for its second annual “Ruth Ann Dean Memorial Birdathon," which will be held the weekend of May 12-13.

The event is named in honor of Ruth Ann Dean, who was a founding member and ardent supporter of PVAS, a Board member in the early years, and an avid birder.

The Birdathon is open to all members of the public. It is a team event or a family activity. Birdwatchers at all levels of experience or expertise are welcome to participate.
Teams will compete to identify the highest numbers of bird species they find anywhere within Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan or Washington counties within any 24-consecutive-hour-period during the May 12-13 weekend.

Participants can choose to form their own teams, decide their team names and select their own leaders. If one doesn’t have a team, and want to participate, PVAS will help find one.

Another option is to participate individually or as a group in a "Big Sit." For the Big Sit, individuals identify, or a team identifies all birds they can see from within a 50-foot diameter circle of their choosing within the 24-consecutive-hour-period. They could choose their back porch, a circle within their backyard, or a 50 foot circle within a place they like to bird. They can invite friends and family to join them within the circle and make it a special event.

Winners of the Birdathon and Big Sit will be announced in the PVAS newsletter and on the PVAS website.

There is no entry fee, and registration is easy. Teams may consist of 2-5 participants (unless an individual registers for the Big Sit). All you have to do is get together with friends and form a team. Or you could make this a family event and enter as a family team.

To register, contact the event coordinator, Sandy Sagalkin, at 240-291-6465.
Registration must be completed by May 11.