FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 28, 2005 Contact: Lisa M. Green, (802) 457-2779 ext. 107, lgreen@vinsweb.org

VINS encourages all birders to participate in this year's Birdathon, May 21st. 

VINS to Host its 27th Annual Birdathon on Saturday, May 21st Woodstock, VT - It's that time of year again! The promise of spring brings with it a multitude of beautiful and cheerful new bird arrivals to the area every week. The sights and sounds of spring also signifies that the Annual VINS Birdathon is right around the corner. This year, VINS will host its 27th Annual Birdathon on Saturday, May 21st, helping to raise crucial funds for various VINS research projects, education programs, and general operations. The raindate is Sunday, May 22nd. Every year, birders from all over the state drive, bicycle, kayak, or walk from dawn to dusk looking for birds. On this day, wherever they choose and for however long they want, their mission is to find and record as many bird species as possible. Pledges are collected for every species they identify, similar to a walk-a-thon. Sponsor forms and bird checklists can be obtained by contacting Debbie Ogden at VINS at (802) 457-2779 ext. 109 or at dogden@vinsweb.org. Forms are also available at http://www.vinsweb.org/programs/birdathon.html. All pledges are tax-deductible. Anyone can participate—experts and novices alike—even backyard birders.

Many Vermont residents have participated in the annual VINS Birdathon for several years. "For me Birdathon is one day for me and my team to totally immerse ourselves in the quest of birds. It gives those of us with a competitive spirit opportunity to vie with other like minded folks. Besides, a day in May in Vermont is almost reward enough, but seeing all that nature has to offer is icing on the cake." says birder Sue Wetmore of Brandon, Vermont. According to Julie Nicholson, she does it to support the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) Program at her local school. "I love to start the day with the birds, bright and early at 4 a.m., complete with my binoculars, spotting scope, snacks to nibble throughout the day, sun screen, bug repellent, or raingear, hand-warmer, according to the weather, etc. etc. Rain or shine, hot or freezing, it is always a day to remember for weeks afterwards. Wouldn't miss it for the world!" she continues.

VINS is also encouraging birdwatchers to utilize an innovative on-line reporting system for bird observations. The site links Vermont to a supercomputer now collecting millions of bird observations from across the country. The web site, www.ebird.org/VINS, is a portal to a vast and powerful database co-sponsored by the famed Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. Audubon Vermont is a local partner in the project. After entering observations on-line, birders can easily save, manage and review sightings at any time. Meanwhile, the observations will provide researchers, students and other birdwatchers crucial information about the status and abundance of birds. eBird data will help researchers track the pace of bird migration, for example, or detect population changes in a given bird species.

The Birdathon culminates with the Wing Ding Party, which will be held on Wednesday, June 29th, at 6:00 p.m. at the VINS Nature Center. Each birder who raises at least $100 will receive a Birdathon t-shirt and will be eligible for a variety of fabulous prizes. Prizes will also be awarded for first-time birders, on-foot birders, junior birders, for the most money raised, and for the most species. The highlight of this year's party will be an opportunity to color their Birdathon t-shirt with artist Susan Sawyer. Founded in 1972, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization headquartered in Woodstock, VT with locations in Montpelier, Manchester and Quechee. Their mission is to protect our natural heritage through education and research designed to engage individuals in the active care of their environment.