Time for the Baillie Birdathon 2014
March 20, 2014
Dear MVFN Members,
The annual Baillie Birdathon is organized by Bird Studies Canada (BSC) to support bird conservation programmes and also local nature clubs. The Mississippi Valley Field Naturalist club is a participant in the Baillie Birdathon, with a portion of the funds raised coming back to our club. On behalf of Cliff and Lynda Bennett who will be going out to count birds, MVFN member Peggy McPhail will be coordinating this years’ 2014 BAILLIE BIRDATHON.
As many of you know, for the past 8 years Cliff and Lynda have gone out for a 24-hour period in May and identified as many bird species as possible. This year, they will count birds on May 23rd and 24th. You may choose to sponsor Cliff and Lynda for a set amount, or, for so much per species. They usually register 100 species in the 24 hour period.
Proceeds from the event go to Bird Studies Canada. Last year’s combined Baillie Birdathon proceeds from across Canada totalled over $221,000, and more than 88 conservation clubs received a portion of those proceeds, including the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists’ club. Our portion of the proceeds from this event is used to help support the MVFN Cliff Bennett Nature Bursary Fund. Through this fund, MVFN awards bursaries every year to students who are continuing their post-secondary education in Environmental Studies. Your sponsorship would be most appreciated.
Sponsorship donations can be made several ways, as follows:
1. Quick and easy is on-line at the Bird Studies Canada site at the following link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1097743&supId=380275254
Just add your information and pledge amount. This will direct your pledge to Cliff and Lynda Bennett’s MVFN count.
2. Alternatively you may sign a pledge sheet at an MVFN function and pay in cash or by cheque.
3. If pledging by species, you may pay after the event has taken place (Peggy will contact you).
4. Alternatively, e-mail your pledge information to: peggymcphail@hotmail.com and then Peggy will contact you.
Donations over $10 will receive an electronic receipt by email. For further information, please contact Peggy at the email address noted above.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to birding in support of bird research and conservation work and to our own MVFN Nature Bursary Award programme – your contribution makes a difference!
Peggy McPhail
