By Donna Keller –
It’s May, so it must be time for Southwest Michigan Team Birdathon! Again this year, Kent Martin, Joanna Sblendorio, Mike Dreibelbis, and Donna Keller will comprise ASK’s team and will arrive at their first Berrien County stop before dawn. With a combination of skill and luck, we hope to exceed last year’s total of 127 birds by 7 PM.
We hope you will consider supporting our effort with a tax-deductible donation. Donations support the two important causes outlined below. You can pledge per species or just a flat dollar amount. All donors will receive a receipt, a report of the day, and a list of species found.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s (SWMLC) Sand Creek Preserve (local breeding grounds)
Funds donated to the preserve will contribute to restoration and management of native grassland, oak savanna, wetlands, and forest on the site. At the preserve, wildlife habitat is enhanced for charismatic animal species such as Eastern Meadowlarks, bluebirds, Bobolinks, and box turtles – species that have been in decline due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and changing land practices. Sand Creek Preserve will continue to provide habitats that serve as a haven where these species can find refuge in the waving prairie grasses and oak trees alongside hundreds of other species of flora and fauna. (https://swmlc.org/project/sand-creek-preserve/)
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) (The Americas, including where Michigan birds over-winter)
ABC is a non-profit membership organization with the mission of conserving native birds and their habitats throughout the Western Hemisphere – threats which include overuse of pesticides, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and invasive species. ABC programs include habitat protection for our migrating birds in Mexico and Central and South America, the Golden-winged Warbler Project, and the Kirtland’s Warbler Project.
So if you’d like to help our birds by pledging, please visit this link: https://forms.gle/7G484KKA7814nNdK9. All pledges must be received by no later than May 11 to be counted in our tally.
There are two choices for sending your donation. You may visit our website at www.kalamazooaudubon.org/support-ask/, click on “Donation” and indicate that you are making a Birdathon donation, or you can send a check made payable to Audubon Society of Kalamazoo and mail to PO Box 19333, Kalamazoo MI 49019-0333. Be sure to include your name and address when sending a check. For those who pledge per species, we will be in touch with a species total after May 13.
Birdathon participants are grateful for the continued support of the ASK membership!