After a year of rest and hibernation, VCE is gearing up for our annual Birdathon, this time with a bonus. It's Birdathon+!
Birdathon raises critical funds that support VCE’s conservation science programs, from long-term bird monitoring, innovative pollinator research, and conservation collaborations in the Dominican Republic to our intern program that trains the next generation of conservation biologists. It's also an incredibly fun way for us bird nerds at VCE to celebrate peak migration and ring in the spring!
We invite you to support VCE’s biodiversity research and conservation programs by making a Birdathon+ gift or pledge today.
As usual, VCE’s Green Mountain Goatsuckers will focus on maximizing the number of bird species we observe in a single 24-hour period. This year we’ll enhance our effort by tallying other flying creatures like butterflies, moths, and bees—hence the name, Birdathon+. VCE’s team is aiming high, setting our sights on 200 species in the hopes of flying by our 2023 tally of 190 winged species.
VCE co-founder and career birder Kent McFarland says, “Pray for a peak May migration with warm fronts rolling in from the south the night before. If those elements converge, the Green Mountain Goatsuckers may crest the century mark—over 100 bird species observed in one day in Vermont. Add in other winged things, and 200 is possible!”
Here’s how you can support the home team:
- Make a gift to sponsor VCE’s staff team, the Green Mountain Goatsuckers. Donate an amount of your choice or challenge us by pledging per species.
- Form your own Birdathon+ team, inviting your friends and family to sponsor your efforts. You can learn more on our Build Your Team page.
However you choose to participate, your Birdathon+ gift supports VCE’s unique approach to people-powered biodiversity research and advances conservation in Vermont and far beyond our borders.
