For the 5th year, SaddleBrooke Ranch will field a team of birders to participate in the Birdathon Fundraiser. The team is called the Cuckoo’s to honor one of the rare bird species of our area, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. This year the Cuckoo’s are dedicating their Birdathon to one of its team members, Rick Gillespie, who has been an inspiration to us all as he bravely battles brain cancer. The Cuckoo’s team this year includes Laurie McCoy, Deb and Gary Sandin, Gerry and Claire Tietje, Sheree and Rick Gillespie, Ben and Nancy Eisenstein, Tim DeJonghe, Carrie Gelsey and lead by SBR Birdman, Jim Hoagland. The SBR Cuckoos have chosen to continue the format of “The Big Day, Free Style” where we attempt to identify as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour timespan. This year they will be visiting various hot-spots in the area and not necessarily in Pinal County. Breaking up into 3 or 4 teams, they will visit such sites at Sweetwater Wetlands, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Mount Lemmon and not forgetting their roots here at the Ranch with the Nature Trail, pond and surrounding area. We are honored to help support such a great organization as Tucson Birding alliance and hope you will join us with your pledges. There are two ways to donate, and no amount is too small to help us achieve our goal of $5,000. The first is to donate a fixed dollar amount. The second, which is more fun, is to make a pledge that challenges the team. It could be something like $1 per bird species, or $5 for each soaring raptor species of $25 for each owl species. Let your imagination run wild! As an incentive for everyone who makes a pledge of $25 or more, you will receive my 2026 bird desk calendar with the wonderful photos you have come to know and enjoy. Many SaddleBrooke Ranch residents continue to enjoy our wildlife at the Ranch, but none more than the beautiful birds of the desert. Thanks to everyone in advance for helping the SBR Cuckoos achieve their goal and supporting the work of the Tucson Birding Alliance. Please make your donation and pledges on or before April 29th.

Pledges:

• Laura Haslett: $1.50/species
• Robert Thompson: $5/species
• Michelle Jennings: $2/species
• Jim Hoagland: $5/species, $5 for each Owl seen or heard plus $5 additon if photographed, $10 for each bird recorded with Green in it's name, bonus $100 if we exceed 100 species, $100 for any Life Bird I see, $50 for any Pinal County Bird life bird I see, $10 for any life bird seen by any member of the Cuckoo team. It is my honor to lead the Cuckoos for the 5th year in a row. Good luck to the team.
• Dawn Hinshaw: $0.50/species
• Carol Andrews: $1/species
• Nancy & Ben Eisenstein: $1/species
• Jim Bradford: $10 for each owl species, $10 for each woodpecker species and $10 for each waterfowl species. Good Luck Cuckoos
• Glenna Matthews: $2/species
• Laurie McCoy: $1/species
• Fred Weber: $0.25/species

 PLEDGE (PAY LATER) 

 DONATE (PAY NOW) 

Birdathon is one of Tucson Bird Alliance’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 Bird Alliance’s mission to inspire people to enjoy and protect birds.

By donating to one or more Birdathon teams you are ensuring Tucson Bird Alliance'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 Bird Alliance 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!

Supporting a team by writing a check?

• Make checks payable to: Tucson Bird Alliance
• Write the team name on memo line
• Mail to: 
  Tucson Bird Alliance
  PO Box 91770
  Tucson, AZ 85752

REGISTER YOUR OWN TEAM HERE
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