Takshanuk Watershed Council

Birdathon is an annual event that takes place in the first week of May. The goal of Birdathon is to observe and identify as many different species of birds as possible in 24 hours.  There are two reasons for this.  The first is to observe migrating species. In recent years, new species have begun to migrate through our watersheds, and uncommon species have become common.  The second reason is that the Takshanuk Watershed Council seeks to create a bird observatory.  The funds generated by this event go toward training, staffing and purchasing equipment for the observatory.   Participants can go anywhere in the Chilkat, Chilkoot or Ferebee watersheds to look, including the waters of Upper Lynn Canal from Seduction Point north.

During that week, participants choose one 24 hour period to look for as many different species as they can find..  It must 24 consecutive hours (e.g 10 am Tuesday to 10 am Wednesday).  Participants can go alone or in a teams.  This is a great opportunity for a family outing in the spring: rafting the Chilkat, biking the highway, hiking Mt. Ripinsky or having a picnic at Chilkoot Lake.

Participants can form a team or compete as individuals.  They are encouraged to choose a colorful team name (e.g High Fliers, Raucous Robins, Dynamo Ducks).  They collect sponsors who pledge either a set amount or an amount per species identified.  Prizes for the largest number of species will be awarded in the following categories: individuals, families, teams of children under 12, adults and business/agency teams

Birding is done on an honor system.  It is assumed that everyone will count only those birds they are absolutely sure of, either by sight or by sound.

On the last day, participants gather to compare notes, turn in results and receive prizes.