The results are in!  Many thanks to the six teams that participated in the Birdathon fundraiser for a weekend of great birding and outstanding fundraising in early March.  An incredible 193 unique species were identified by the six teams!  This year’s teams and captains were:

• Chirp Scouts – Kylie Wilson, Team Captain
• Clark’s Nutcrackers – Bob Clark, Team Captain
• Fowl Feathered Friends – Eary Warren, Team Captain
• Laughing Gals – Jean Pichler, Team Captain
• The Missing Godwits - Jack Foard, Team Captain
• Venetian Vireos – Diana Watters, Team Captain

Congratulations to Fowl Feathered Friends, who won bragging rights for 2024 by identifying 167 species!  Coming in 2nd was The Missing Godwits, followed by Clark’s Nutcrackers.  

Fowl Feathered Friends

Our fundraising goal for the event was a lofty $5,000.  Thanks to the generosity of all who donated and made per species pledges, the total amount raised was an incredible $6,467.54!  The top fundraising team was Clark’s Nutcrackers with a total of $1,888.75.  We’re so grateful for the support of the 32 birders and the many donors who made the event successful. 

Clark's Nutcrackers

The real winners, though, are the local students in the 2nd Grade Birdwatchers Program.  Venice Area Audubon provides grants for bus transportation to Title 1 schools that request financial assistance to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience the Rookery field trip.  This year’s bus transportation grants will be able to fulfill all this year’s requests with the addition of the Birdathon monies to our Education Fund.  

View the list of species identified by all teams.

Rick Cordner,
Venice Area Audubon Birdathon Coordinator