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Golden Gate Audubon's Birdathon 2012

A Benefit for Birds, Kids, & the Environment

Birdathon participants: Our month of Birdathon birding in April has come to an end. Please download your Birdathon 2012 Report form here (right-click to save link to your computer, then open the file with a PDF reader). Remember, forms must be received in our office by Friday, May 4. Email to birdathon@goldengateaudubon.org. Thank you for your contributions, which benefit birds, kids, and the environment!

For 95 years we have birded to enjoy and protect the millions of birds who rest, feed, or overwinter in the Bay Area along their migratory route. Among the 400 species that live in the Bay Area for at least part of the year are the raptors that fly over the Golden Gate, songbirds that rely on our wildlands, parks, and backyards, and shorebirds and waterfowl that depend on the San Francisco Bay's shorelines and tidal wetlands. Countless other birds and wildlife species rely year-round on our native habitats.

In its first two years combined, our birdathon helped us raise more than $40,000 to support our work, including our Conservation and Eco-Education programs. This year our goal is $35,000, but we need your help!

Overview
Birdathon 2012 is a uniquely Audubon way to promote and protect the Bay Area’s native birds and wildlife--it's like a walk-a-thon, only we count beautiful bird species instead of miles.

Birdathon 2012 is a competitive and educational event suitable for any level of birdwatcher, from beginner to advanced, as well as those who just want to cheer them on! Participants join guided trips, organize their own trips, or count independently. They raise money by asking friends and family to pledge a donation to Golden Gate Audubon on a fixed or per species basis. Then, over a period of either 4 or 24 consecutive hours between April 1 and April 30, participants try to see as many species as possible. After birding, participants collect their pledges.

Birdathon 2012 is an opportunity to learn about birds, make new friends, and enjoy the wealth of the Bay Area’s great outdoors. The event generates important funds for Golden Gate Audubon--we raised $28,000 in 2011! In April, you'll find trips for kids and adults, for families and social groups, and for folks with special interests, such as birding by bike or by public transit. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran, Golden Gate Audubon has a trip for you--and if we don't, we'll be happy to help you organize one. Read more about How Birdathon Works.

Sign Up
You can participate in Birdathon 2012 in many exciting ways:

Participate as an individual (register here).
Join a guided trip led by an expert Audubon volunteer who can help you identify birds. (This is a great way for first-time birders to take part in the birdathon and learn the birding ropes.)
Form your own team of friends, family, or coworkers (select Setup a Team in the pulldown menu on the linked registration page).
Make a general donation (links to external site) or sponsor a participant.
Celebrate with us in Tilden Park.

We're counting on you to help make our third annual birdathon the best one yet!

All participants must raise a minimum donation of $25; those who raise $75 or more will receive a limited-edition Birdathon 2012 T-shirt, featuring the designs of Kyoko Tago.

For more information on the birdathon or how to use this website,
please contact us at birdathon@goldengateaudubon.org or call us at 510.843.7293.

For more information about Golden Gate Audubon, visit www.goldengateaudubon.org.

Share your birdathon sighting and scope out the competition on our Birdathon 2012 Facebook page!