Flash: Wisconsin Birdathon Update!

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon, in only its second year, has seen a great increase of teams registered for some er, friendly competition. And that’s great news! Teams of birders all over the state are vying for the distinction of tallying more species in a 24-hour period than any other team.

Much thought and planning goes in to these big days of counting, and the teams can choose any one day in May to do their count. Having spent several days scouting the best birding hotspots in the southern half of the state (and this is not a small state!), Eagle Optics’ Team Bird So Hard is in the field today, May 25, doing their darndest.  They started their sojourn just after midnight last night, and will be ending on the shores of Lake Michigan at midnight tonight.  Every minute counts!  You can follow their Facebook updates here.

We applaud our team’s effort. These 5 experienced, bird-loving (and slightly crazed) individuals are giving it everything they’ve got!  Go team! Team Bird So Hard has a goal of identifying 200 species today. They will be challenged by many miles in the car, our temperamental spring weather (overcast and 50’s throughout this part of the state), stiff necks, and no doubt, sub-par road food. But our fantastic 5 team members are out there, ears perked, binoculars poised–all senses on high alert as they strive to bring home the honors.

Ultimately, it’s all a labor of love, you know. The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is a fabulous means to an end: raising $50,000 to protect Wisconsin’s precious bird habitats. Our team’s mission is to raise at least $3,000 of that amount, and right now, they still have $720 to go.  Please donate! It’s easy to do, online at this link. If you dontae $25 or more, your name will be entered in a drawing for an Eagle Optics Ranger 8×32 Binocular. We thank you!

Originally published on May 25, 2013