Help Team Sapsucker Set A New Record
I received an email today that I need to pass along to you. It was from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and their Big Day 2011 that will happen tomorrow. I’ll just let you read the letter from them to begin.
April 21, 2011
Dear Jeff Jones,We’ve just learned that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Team Sapsucker has chosen this Friday, April 22, as the day when they’ll attempt to break the U.S. record for most birds found in 24 hours, while raising funds for bird conservation.
As the countdown begins, please join the team to make this our biggest day ever for eBird and bird conservation. If you have already made a pledge or a donation, thank you! If you haven’t had a chance yet, it’s not too late.
Please make a pledge for each species that Team Sapsucker tallies on the Big Day, or contribute a flat donation if you prefer. Your gift will provide much-needed support for bird conservation, and you can designate your gift to eBird.
Team Sapsucker has been in Texas since last Thursday, scouting reliable locations for birds they know they need—and homing in on any unexpected birds that serendipity provides. The endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler of the Hill Country fits the first category (thankfully, it’s been numerous, say Marshall Iliff and Tim Lenz), and a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites a little west of their main breeding range fits the second (found by Brian Sullivan and Andrew Farnsworth)—possibly meaning a spectacular extra tick for their Big Day list. On the other hand, as Marshall shaves every possible mile and minute off the Big Day’s itinerary, Chris Wood and Jessie Barry are under pressure to find birds like Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, and Tropical Kingbird. The team could dip an hour’s drive farther south and find plenty of these South Texas classics, but that would mean less time in the northern rice fields and coastal woods at the end of the day. Decisions, hunches, gambles, and digging deep to keep the adrenaline flowing and the discoveries adding up over long, exhausting days—that’s what Scout Week is all about.
I know the team is looking forward to the incredible high moments that such a day can bring—and that your pledges and donations provide a huge motivation to make every second count.
Help spur on the team as they attempt to break the all-time Big Day record for the United States (261 species) and raise $250,000 for bird conservation. Please make a pledge today.
Thank you so much for your vital support for eBird and bird conservation efforts.
Sincerely,
John Fitzpatrick
Executive Director
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Help Them Make It The Best Day Ever
This is a great cause and promises to be a lot of fun. Remember, you do have the option of setting a per species or flat contribution in case not knowing how many species they’ll find makes you nervous-LOL! The contribution page is easy and straightforward.
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