Fort Collins Audubon Society Announces the 2006 Birdathon
Annual Fundraiser and Bird Search in Larimer and Weld Counties

Friday & Saturday, May 12-13, 2006

Fort Collins, CO — The Birdathon, a 24-hour team search for birds in Larimer and Weld counties, is conducted during the peak of spring migration in the foothills and on the high plains. Fort Collins Audubon Society has been conducting this Birdathon—an annual spring fundraiser and an annual rite of spring—for 18 years.

This year, the Birdathon will begin late Friday afternoon, May 13th and continue through Saturday afternoon, May 14th. Weather cooperating, in this 24-hour span, participants should see or hear (or both!) between 120 and 170 bird species all in their peak springtime plumage and song.

Team members obtain pledges based on the total number of birds a team sees. Those who want to commit to a pledge, but cannot participate on a team may also pledge by contacting Fort Collins Audubon. The chapter expects to field 6-8 teams this year.

“The spring Birdathon is a great way to support Fort Collins Audubon. It’s also a great way to get out and identify birds in the company of expert birders at the peak time of the year,” said Joel Hurmence, president of Fort Collins Audubon.

Fort Collins Audubon is active in many areas of conservation and education in Larimer County and looks forward to expanded offerings in 2006 and beyond. The board has set a number of new goals and project needs. A few are highlighted here: expanded monthly programs in Fort Collins and offering programs in Loveland, conservation and advocacy by support of the Audubon Colorado state legislative affairs liaison, building the endowment of our new Scholarship Fund, adoption of Fossil Creek Reservoir Important Bird Area, partnering with Larimer County Open Lands to print and distribute Fossil Creek IBA bird checklists and supporting habitat improvement projects, expanding our website, telephone message center, and newsletter, and obtaining office space. The complete list of FCAS goals for 2006 may be viewed on our website at: www.fortnet.org/Audubon/board_minutes/2006_FCAS_Goals.pdf.

This year pledges will mean even more to Fort Collins Audubon. A Fort Collins couple—members of Fort Collins Audubon—has promised to match all donations received for the 2006 Birdathon.

People can participate in four different ways: 1) Team Leader (lead a Birdathon team in Larimer & Weld counties); 2) Team Member (participate on a team and obtain pledges); 3) Pledge Partner (provide a pledge to a team member); 4) Business Pledge Partner (provide a pledge to a team member or a team).

Fort Collins Audubon also plans a tie to International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). International Migratory Bird Day focuses attention on one of the most spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird—the journey between its winter home in the southern latitudes of Mexico, Central America, and South America and its summer home in North America. Today, IMBD is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America through bird festivals, bird walks, education programs, and Birdathons.

Fort Collins Audubon will have IMBD posters and T-shirts available. Two special Birdathon/IMBD-themed field trips will be offered on the weekend before the Birdathon on Saturday and Sunday May 6 and 7, 2006.

The Fort Collins Audubon Society (FCAS) is a nonprofit all volunteer organization dedicated to nature appreciation, environmental education, and conservation activities. Incorporated in 1976, the Society has more than 700 members from all walks of life, most of who reside in Larimer County. Its mission is “to promote the appreciation, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems—focusing on birds and other wildlife—through education, participation, stewardship, and advocacy.” Fort Collins Audubon serves as a local chapter affiliated with the National Audubon Society.

Contact: Phil Friedman, Fort Collins Audubon Birdathon Coordinator, (970) 493-2959 or phifri@frii.com

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