Birdathon

The Amos W. Butler Audubon Birdathon has a rich 20+ year history of providing funding for activities that promote the welfare of the birds of Central Indiana. For example, we have donated more than $100,000 to the American Bird Conservancy to protect land in Panama and Colombia. The land is home to country endemics as well as to numerous neotropical migrants that breed in Indiana. We have also provided funding for habitat improvement at Marian University's Ecolab, helped fund a staff position for National Audubon Society here in Indiana, assisted with research on Northern Saw-whet Owls and Cerulean Warblers, and so much more.

The Birdathon is simply a marvelous effort by a dedicated team of volunteers. In 2010, we intend to fund: additional conservation easements near the Cerulean and Pauxi Paxi Reserves in Colombia (Pauxi Pauxi depicted in photo), habitat improvements at Marian University's EcoLab and Spades Park in Indianapolis, miscellaneous expenses for the Audubon Indiana office staffed by Ross Brittain, Ph.D., conservation planning efforts by Central Indiana Land Trust, and operating expenses for Lights Out Indy. Of course, in order for us to fund these grants, we need to raise the money.

In 2010, the Birdathon Committee was hoping that funds raised through donations and pledges would equal the almost $30,000 raised in 2009. However, as of June 24, the total raised is approximately $23,000. We are making one more attempt to raise an additional $5,000 so that all approved grant requests can be funded. We are calling on our members and friends to donate to the Birdathon, if you have not already done so, or to make an extra contribution if you have already donated. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Please send your check to: Donna McCarty, Amos W. Butler Audubon Society, 4832 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254.

We thank you and the birds of Central Indiana thank you.

Note: Photo is of the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve in Colombia. Pauxi Pauxi is the scientific name of the Northern Helmeted Curassow, an endangered species that lives in Colombia. The reserve supports the curassow as well as numerous neoptropical migrants such as Cerulean and Blackburnian Warblers. We have partnered with the American Bird Conservancy and ProAves in Colombia to assist with land protection in the area near Pauxi Pauxi and also the Cerulean Warbler Reserve.