Birds Connect Seattle Birdathon Participants 2022
Count Birds to Save Birds: May 13 – 31, 2023
Birdathon is an annual tradition and important fundraiser for Birds Connect Seattle. It is like a walk-a-thon, but instead of walking laps or miles, you count bird species. Participants gather pledges and donations from friends, family, and coworkers in support of Birds Connect Seattle’s mission. Then participants identify as many species as they can, for a fun and friendly birding competition.
Who Can Participate
Anyone residing in Washington State (or visiting WA for that matter) can sign-up to participate. Species can be counted from anywhere in the state from your own backyard, to your neighborhood park, to a national forest or state park. In 2023 we have two new ways you can participate!
As you join in the Birdathon fun, we ask all participants to follow Birds Connect Seattle’s Code of Conduct.
If Birdathon is your annual tradition, or if you are just getting started learning about birds, please use Birdathon as an opportunity to appreciate birds in your own way, at your own pace, and at every skill level. Birdathon is open to all levels of experience in bird identification and fundraising – no prior experience in either needed to have fun and be successful!
Prizes
You can win some wonderful birdy prizes during Birdathon. The more you fundraise the more you get!
We offer special prizes for participants when you raise $50, $250, and $500+. We also have individual and team prizes for total funds raised, greatest number of donors, and species counts. See the full list of prizes HERE.
Each year, we have a special Birdathon t-shirt for participants who raise $50+. This year’s tee is printed on an eco-friendly Allmade ® Unisex Tri-Blend.
Tools for Fundraising Success
Raise more for the birds!
Fundraising can feel like a challenge to some people, but if you think of it like an opportunity to share your passion for birds and nature with your friends and family it can actually be fun. Take a look at Fundraising Tips & Tricks sheet to help you get started. One important piece in your success is setting up your personal fundraising page. Follow our video tutorial or guide to learn how. If you aren’t sure what to say to your potential donors, we have example fundraising email templates to help.
Species Count
Once you choose how you will participate (Big Day, Single Habitat, or Outside Observer), you will conduct your count and record your species, then report the species you see/hear. Both team participants, and those counting individually, can record their species count using our Species Count Form.
Use the handy Washington Bird Checklist as a reference if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions for Birdathon Donors
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Birds Connect Seattle is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Do I receive a receipt?
A donation receipt will be sent to you at the email address you provide on the Birdathon donation form. Please be sure to keep a copy of your receipt for tax purposes. If you select a recurring donation, you will be sent an individual receipt each month when your donation is processed.
Do people who donate $50 to my Birdathon get a shirt?
Birdathon t-shirts are only for fundraisers who are participating in Birdathon. If we have extra t-shirts after the event they will be available for sale at The Nature Shop starting in June. People who donate $49 or more do qualify for a one-year household membership to Birds Connect Seattle.
Frequently Asked Question for Birdathon Participants
How can I get support with Fundraising? Take a look at our Participant Resources, see the example email message templates within the fundraising platform, and feel free to reach out to us at birdathon@birdsconnectsea.org and we can help you develop a personal fundraising plan.
I’m having trouble with the registration process? Read our tips about getting set up as an individual or a team. Still have questions, contact Carol Roll at carolr@birdsconnectsea.org.
How long do I have to fundraise? In order to be considered for our fundraising prizes please have all donations to Birds Connect Seattle no later than June 5 for prize qualification. Birds Connect Seattle accepts donation 365 days a year, so even if your donations come in after the deadline it is still supporting our mission and work.
“It is so fun getting to raise money for an amazing organization, all while birding!”
-Katie, Birdathon 2021 participant
“We saw two Anna’s Hummingbird chicks! Nearby, we saw a nesting Pied-billed Grebe and some Mallard ducklings. It was great to see the birds thriving.”
-Anthony, Birdathon 2021 participant
Anna’s Hummingbird / Duke Coonrad / Audubon Photography Awards
Spotted in 2022: What Birdathoners saw on their Big Day
Yellow-headed Blackbird on San Juan Island spotted by team Can’t Stop Raven
Richard Pick | Audubon Photography Awards
Canada Goose with goslings at Union Bay Natural Area spotted by the Birding Board team
Anthony Floyd
Hairy Woodpecker at Snoqualmie Wildlife Area/Stillwater Unit by team Honey-nut Vireos
Sandy Hattan
Ring-necked Pheasant at Marymoore Park by team Honey-nut Vireos
Wendy Walker
Northern Shoveler at Union Bay Natural Area during a Big Day.
Joan Tierney
Thank you to our 2023 Birdathon Sponsors and Prize Donors
