Great Blue Heron. Photo © Christine Johnston

Great Canadian Birdathon

Birds Canada’s Great Canadian (formerly Baillie) Birdathon

Birds Canada’s Great Canadian Birdathon is the oldest sponsored bird count in North America, raising money for bird research and conservation.  During the birdathon, each team’s (or individual’s) challenge is to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period, during the month of May. 

Money pledged by sponsors, either a flat rate or per species observed, benefits BSC, the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund, and participating migration monitoring stations and conservation organizations.  Thousands of dollars have been raised over the years for the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists and Thunder Cape Bird Observatory.

So pick a day in May and go birding.  You don’t have to be an expert about birds; everyone’s efforts are important.  Spend a few hours or the whole day (up to 24 consecutive hours) and go for your personal record for highest number of species seen.  Break the Thunder Bay District record of 142 species (set in 2004) or have fun trying!

For more information or to register, click here.