For the 6th year, SaddleBrooke Ranch will participate in the Tucson Bird Alliance's Birdathon. This year, instead of our usual 24-hour marathon to see as many bird species as possible, we are doing something different.  Our goal is to educate the community and encourage greater involvement in the Birdathon, fostering awareness of the birds and nature at the Ranch.  The Cuckoos are dedicating their Birdathon to one of its team members, Rick Gillespie, who lost his epic battle with brain cancer last year. The Cuckoo’s team this year includes Laurie McCoy, Deb and Gary Sandin, Gerry and Claire Tietje, Sheree Gillespie, Ben and Nancy Eisenstein, Tim DeJonghe, Carrie Gelsey, Tony and Shirley Sullivan, Michelle Jenning, Laura Haslett, Ann and Dave Palenshus and is led by SBR Birdman, Jim Hoagland. We will have a full week of activities, from April 19th to April 25, starting with a presentation on the "Birds of SBR" by Jim Hoagland. Participants will also learn about eBird and Merlin apps and have the chance to become citizen scientists for the week.  The week will include serveral field trips at the Ranch and a few outside it.  Seminars include Michael Bain's presentation titled " All about Oracle State Park: Programs, Wildlife, Dark Skies & More".  On Thursday, Craig Anderson's program will be on hummingbirds, titled "Masters of Flight".  We will conclude on Saturday with a Wrap-Up party on our patio here at the ranch with a raffle, checklist summary of the birds seen during the week and a few words by Luke Safford on the mission of Tucson Bird Alliance and the importance of the Birdathon.   We are honored to support such a great organization as the Tucson Birding Alliance and hope you will join us in making pledges. There are two ways to donate, and no amount is too small to help us reach our $5,000 goal. 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 or $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 2027 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 in advance yo everyone for helping the SBR Cuckoos achieve their goal and supporting the work of the Tucson Bird Alliance. Please make your donation and pledges on or before April 25th.

Pledges:

• Jim Hoagland: $5 for every bird species we record during the week, $100 for every lifer I see, extra $50 if I photograhpy the lifer, $10 for each owl species and $50 for any new Pinal county Bird. It is my honor to lead the SBR Cuckoos in their 6th year of raising funds for a great organization, such as TBA.
• Nancy & Ben Eisenstein: $1/species and an extra $5 for every bird you see eating prey.
• Sheilah Britton: $25. Whiskered screech owl Megascops trichoposis. I want to hear their screech. Good luck.
• Jarvis Ellon: $25 per owl species
• Jarvis Scott: $2/species
• Marcia Grand: $5/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
BACK TO BIRDATHON HOME PAGE