Birdathon Report

30 days

8 states

186 birds!

I started this Birdathon (my first) with low expectations. I was hoping for 102 bird species and planning to bird throughout Arizona. However, life had other plans.

I started the month getting out every day visiting different parks, preserves and birding sites throughout Southern Arizona. Then my grandmother passed, and I was afforded the opportunity to go on a road trip out to Missouri and what better way to turn a sad moment into a good moment than to bird along the way. The most exciting birds I saw during the road trip were the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and the Tufted Titmouse. Then I was able to go on a quick vacation at the end of the Month and make my way out to Bandon, Oregon via Las Vegas, and Tahoe.

The absolute most exciting sight was in Las Vegas. I noticed a man taking pictures and went over to check out what he was seeing and up in the tree there was the fluffiest, most beautiful baby owls. Three gorgeous little babies were starting to explore their tree. It made me so happy as owls are my favorite.

The second most exciting sight was a young bald eagle swooping down on a bunch of Common Murres and causing them to go into a dread flight. A dread flight is when the Common Murres get scared and like a domino effect all jump off their rock into ocean one after another. It was so different and exciting to watch.

All in all, I exceeded my goals. Despite driving my husband quackers going out birding so much, this was a wonderful and fun experience. I was able to explore Southern Arizona and our local parks, as well as learning about birds in other states.

Thank you for the opportunity and your support in this endeavor. 

EBird Trip Report

https://ebird.org/tripreport/229640

Pledges:

• Arthur Matthews: $0.25/species & $0.05 for each bird with the appropriate wingspan game card in the picture. Have a great time and find all those 100 birds.
• Marcia Grand: $10/species and
  • $150 if you get all four (all must be ID’d and actually seen not just heard): snake, lizard, ground squirrel, rabbit
  • $150 if you see a coyote
  • $150 if you see five different types of waterbirds: ducks, cormorants, shore birds, grebes, herons, etc – anything that swims or is comfortable in the water.
  • Congratulations for jumping in. For my first birdathon I came in absolutely last!! I hope you will beat me by a lot.