This was our first year participating. Our "team" was my husband Craig and me birding together. Our team name referred to our planned trip to Texas for the total solar eclipse but we canceled that due to the weather forecast (a mistake), so no Texas species but had more time for local birding.
The majority of our time and birds (20+ days, 204 species) were in southeastern Arizona. I had only hoped for 100 and was surprised at that total. The highlight was seeing Graham County's first record of a Kentucky Warbler, and also a Tennessee Warbler. That same day and location (Howard Well east of Safford), Merlin IDed a Gray Catbird that I totally ignored as it was totally unexpected. Since that time, it has been confirmed as a species there but is not included on my checklist.
The last few days of April were spent in Spain where we were just learning many new species, but this brought the April total to 314; eBird shows 312 because it didn't count the domestic Black Swan and Swan Goose that I included.
A special THANK YOU to all of our generous supporters. Given our high species total, I gave everyone the choice of donating based on the 204 U.S. birds or all 314 April species. I created an eBird Trip Report that shows each species and has the photos I've posted so far with more to come:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/229331
Our first Birdathon was exciting and fun. We set a modest fundraising goal of $500 and surpassed it, raising ten times that amount aft Craig and I added a bit to make it $5,000. Already thinking about April 2025 and hope to have the wonderful support we had this year, but we'll probably have to change our team name since there won't be a U.S. eclipse.
Diane and Craig aka Team Eclipse Plumage
Pledges:
Birdathon is one of Tucson Audubon’s largest fundraisers and has existed for over 35 years! It’s a great way to use our love of bird watching to support Tucson Audubon’s mission to inspire people to enjoy and protect birds.
By donating to one or more Birdathon teams you are ensuring Tucson Audubon’s vital work can continue well into the future. Whether it's preserving critical habitats, educating future stewards of the environment, or advocating for bird-friendly policies, your support makes a tangible difference.
Birdathon donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tucson Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Join us in making a difference for birds and their habitats by donating or pledging to a Birdathon team today!
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Supporters | |||
Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
Diane Drobka | 06/05/2024 | $100.00 | Marcia Grand | 06/01/2024 | $3,450.00 | Elaine Moisan | 05/13/2024 | $157.00 | Jeff Coker | 05/12/2024 | $345.00 | Great job Diane and Team Eclipse Plumage! | Amy Davis | 05/10/2024 | $162.48 | Diana Herron | 05/06/2024 | $102.00 | Diana Wilcox | 05/04/2024 | $107.74 | Duane Aubuchon | 05/03/2024 | $51.00 | Vicki StClair | 04/16/2024 | $50.00 | Love the birds and you! | Steve L. Marlatt | 04/14/2024 | $20.00 | Stephanie Sharp | 04/06/2024 | $20.00 | Richard A. Bailowitz | 04/02/2024 | $25.00 | Brenda Zaun | 04/02/2024 | $10.64 | Good luck Diane and Craig. Have fun! | Amanda Moors | 03/26/2024 | $50.00 | Bryan Morehouse | 03/13/2024 | $103.60 | Good luck Team Eclipse Plumage! | Kristin & Zach Hurst | 03/13/2024 | $50.00 | Diana Wilcox | 03/13/2024 | $100.00 | I've chosen the $1/bird amount to add to the suspense!!! Maybe you'll find more than 100! " Go Team Eclipse!!" Thanks for doing this and have fun! | Grant Wilcox | 03/12/2024 | $100.00 | Thanks Craig Wilcox and Diane Drobka!!! |
Total | $5,004.46 |