ARCHIVE

It’s all for the birds

International teams search for species at Manomet Bird-A-Thon

Dave Kindy
Wicked Local
Local bird watchers will be looking for Eastern Kingbirds and other species during the annual Bird-A-Thon.

PLYMOUTH – This weekend, as you traipse through the terrain with binoculars around your neck and notebook in hand, just keep telling yourself it’s for the birds.

The 42nd annual Bird-A-Thon byManomet Inc. will pit bird watchers of a feather against one another in competitive fundraiser to see who can record the most species in a 48-hour period. Held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, this global event features teams as far away as Hawaii, France and Israel contributing to the list of birds and donations to the local science organization'sLandbird Conservation program.

"Participants find as many bird species as possible during Bird-A-Thon weekend – the more species recorded, the more funds raised," said Emily Renaud of Manomet Inc. "Donors can either make gifts in support of the conservation program, or make a pledge per species, which could be $1 each species sighted."

Funds raised from Bird-A-Thon also go toward the organization’s work to connect people of ages to nature, including the revitalization of the Massachusetts Young Birders Club and the installation of an interpretive nature trail at its headquarters in Plymouth. Manomet Inc. has one of the longest-running bird banding stations in North America.

"This is my third year doing Bird-A-Thon. I love being able to contribute to Manomet’s work to educate people of all ages about bird banding and the importance of connecting to nature," said Megan Gray, who has banded at Manomet since spring 2018.

Since 1969, Manomet scientists have monitored populations of migratory birds and provided educational programming for youth and aspiring biologists at the Plymouth banding lab.

"When people participate in Bird-A-Thon, they do it because they love birding and enjoy getting out in nature. But, what they may not realize is how much their participation supports our year-round work," said Trevor Lloyd-Evans, director, Landbird Conservation. "Our goal is to have as many participants as possible, despite the structure of this year’s event being slightly different than previous years."

Due to COVID-19, the Manomet staff is implementing a new set of guidelines to ensure safety during Bird-A-Thon. Birders are encouraged to "bring their bubble" of their immediate household or small circle of friends. And, rather than meeting in potentially high-traffic areas, such as public parks or beaches, participants are asked to stay close to home and bird at their local patch, or even their own yards.

"Safety is our number one priority," said Evan Dalton, lead instructor, Landbird Conservation. "Instead of getting together with a group of your birding friends from different places, we encourage people to engage with us and other participants on social media. It’s a great way to feel connected to others during isolation, and it gives us a chance to see everyone out in the field at their favorite birding spots!"

To participate in this year’s Bird-A-Thon, visit www.ManometBirdAThon.com and set up a fundraising page for your team. Learn more about Bird-A-Thon on Manomet’s website atwww.manomet.org/ or visit itsFacebook, Instagram andTwitter pages and search #ManometBAT2020 to stay connected with birders during the weekend of Sept. 19 and 20.

Manomet is a science-driven, sustainability nonprofit organization that believes people can live and work today in ways that will enable our world to thrive and prosper tomorrow. Manomet’s mission is to apply science and engage people to sustain the world.