Because of COVID-19, MRVAC has moved the 2020 Bird-a-Thon Challenge back a month to June.  So don’t panic:  You haven’t missed it.  Polish up your birding skills for the 2020 MRVAC Bird-a-Thon Challenge.

We were only $25 short of raising $2,200 last year. Let’s see if we can reach $2,300 this year. This is open to all levels of birders and is a great opportunity to give back to MRVAC. Not quite ready to enter the Bird-a-Thon Challenge? Seek out a participant and offer to sponsor her/him.

What: Birding to raise money for MRVAC to fund grants
When: Any day between May 1, 2020 and May 15, 2020
Where: Anywhere in the world (This could be an opportunity for that dreamed about birding trip)
How: Sign up sponsors. Choose a day. Bird any time, or all the time between 12:01am and 11:59pm. Bird alone, in a group (socially distanced, of course), or both. Submit all donations to Walt Stull by July 1, 2020.

Some Helpful Tips:

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask! Most people are reluctant to ask for donations, but it is surprising howmany people are willing to help. This is especially true when they understand how the money will be used. Let potential sponsors know that they can pledge a flat rate, or to make it more of a challenge, encourage them to pledge on a per bird species basis.
  2. Plan your route! Pay attention to the weather and the latest reports on MOU, e-bird, and Facebook. The best results are achieved if you can visit a variety of habitats on a nice day.
  3. When you collect your pledges, share your birding day with your sponsors! Most will enjoy hearing about your day, especially any highlights. Making them part of your experience will help in asking for repeat sponsorships in future years.
  4. Be certain to use a 2020 Birdathon Sponsor Pledge Form which will help you track who your donors are and how much they have pledged. Forms can be obtained from our website here or by contacting Walt Stull at 612-889-3550 or mathemagicland@Q.com.

All donations that you collect should be submitted to Walt Stull by July 1, 2020. It is best to give the donations directly to Walt at the general meeting (4th Thursdays). If that is not possible, mail them to MRVAC at PO Box 20400, Bloomington, MN 55420.