Sept. 15 marks the beginning of the 44th annual Rich Stallcup Bird-a-Thon, which bills itself as the longest running bird-watching marathon in the country. The monthlong event, held by Point Blue Conservation Science, is accessible to contestants as young as 5 up to professional birdwatchers in their 80s. Money raised will be focused on advancing science and protecting wildlife in the face of a changing climate.
“It incentivizes people who are interested in birding to start learning about conservation,” said Zach Warnow, the communications director at Point Blue. “It’s also a huge challenge to the most experienced birders in West Marin because it pushes them to really go to all the different locations they know are going to be birding hotspots.”
The fundraiser’s namesake is ornithologist and Point Blue founder Richard Stallcup, who was said to have a rare gift when it came to spotting birds. He played a key role in the rise of bird watching as a national pastime as well as establishing this fundraiser. “He educated literally thousands of people on the wonders of birds and nature education,” biologist David Wimpfheimer said.
Mr. Wimpfheimer has participated in the bird-a-thon since 1982. Last year, he traveled nearly 45 miles by bicycle from Abbotts Lagoon to Novato, surveying, with guile, over 120 species of birds from ocean to inland habitats. “Driving is probably more conducive to bird spotting by numbers, but people are supportive of my green method,” he said.
Participants in the bird-a-thon solicit donations based on either the number of species recorded or a flat fee. This year, Blue Point has reached just $6,700 of its $75,000 goal, with a large portion of donations sent by Mr. Wimpfheimer’s sponsors. Last year, his many sponsors sent him over $10,000 for identifying 123 different species of birds, raking in the most funds raised and species identified by an individual in the marathon.
The research and habitat restoration work that Blue Point does is, in part, what keeps so many birds along the Point Reyes seashore, Mr. Wimpfheimer said. A dedicated team that spends quality time in the field could easily spot over 100 species, Mr. Warnow added.
For the first time, Point Blue will host virtual gatherings throughout the month. Participants survey birds for up to 24 consecutive hours, monitoring and counting through sound or sight; they can work solo or join a team, and there are resources available to help identify birds.
To learn more, visit PointBlue.org/birdathon.