Connecticut Audubon's #MigrationMadness Birdathon, May 17-19, is designed for birders of all ages and all skill levels. We invite experts to participate, mid-level birders, or novices. All are welcome.
Below is a list of prizes and categories. There's a photo contest, a social media contest, prizes for young birders, prizes for first-time Birdathoners. We've highlighted some of these categories in red.
But even if you don't win, the fun is in participating.
And it's all to help Connecticut's birds!
Photo Contest
Best Photo Taken All Weekend
First Prize: Framed Patrick Lynch Painting of an Osprey
Second Prize: $25 gift certificate to Connecticut Audubon’s nature shops
We are happy to announce that Paul Fusco, first-rate photographer and co-designer of our Connecticut State of the Birds report, will judge this photo competition!
Most Identification Photos Taken all Weekend
First Prize: Framed Patrick Lynch Painting of an Osprey
Second Prize: $25 gift certificate to Connecticut Audubon’s nature shops
Individuals
Most Species Seen by an Individual Birder in 24 hours
First Prize: Sedge Wren Watercolor by Mark Szantyr
Second Prize: $25 gift certificate to Connecticut Audubon’s nature stores
First Prize: Sabine’s Gull carving by Keith Mueller
Second Prize: White-faced Storm-Petrel carving by Keith Mueller
Most Money Raised by an Individual
First Prize: Flame-colored Tanager Watercolor by Keith Mueller
Second Prize: Framed Patrick Lynch Painting of a Grackle
Most Money Raised by a First-Time Participant
Prize: Framed Patrick Lynch Painting of a Pelican
Most Social Media Posts (from May 1 through May 19)
This category is open to people who are participating in the Birdathon or who have made a Birdathon pledge.
Prize: Framed Patrick Lynch Painting of an Osprey
Young Birders
Most Species Seen by a Young Birder (18 years old and younger)
First Prize: Vortex Binoculars
Second Prize: A Field Guide to Long Island Sound, by Patrick Lynch
Teams
Most Species Seen by a Team in 24 hours
Prize: EcoTravel Swallow Spectacular Cruise in September, for up to six team members.
Most Species Seen by a New Team in 24 hours
Prize: A day of birding with Milan Bull
Most Money Raised by a Team
Prize: A day of birding with Patrick Comins