WCAS' primary fundraiser, the Birdathon, was held on May 13. The day was sunny and nice and made bird finding thoroughly enjoyable. This year there were about 25 people participating. A grand total of 204 species of birds was found. We found 208 species last year and a record number of 218 in 2003. For comparison, this year’s winning team in New Jersey Audubon’s World Series of Birding found 222 species. Thanks to all those who participated.

Some highlights reported by Birdathon coordinator Lou Beck:

• 31 species of warblers
• 4 rail species (Sora, Clapper, King, and Virginia)
• 5 vireo species (white-eyed, blue-headed, yellow-throated, warbling, and red-eyed)
• 4 owl species (E. Screech, Snowy, Barred, and Long-eared)
• Parasitic Jaeger (offshore from Cape May)

Money raised by Birdathon is used to support our lectures, field trips, and educational programs – in 2005, Audubon Adventures was funded in 120 classrooms! We also support Hannah Suther’s bird-banding studies on Featherbed Lane in Hopewell.

Our monthly lectures are held on the third Monday of each month starting in September and field trips are held on many weekends throughout the year. Both of these events are free. The schedule is listed in this newsletter and on our website.

Congratulations to prize recipients! Special prizes for generous support of the Birdathon were donated by the Belle Mead Farmers Co-Op and Kale’s Nursery. Winners were Landis Eaton and Catherine Sharyn Magee.

Thank you all - on behalf of the Washington Crossing Audubon Society – for your generous donations to Birdathon 2006. Thanks also to the birding teams.

To view the list of bird species identified on Birdathon, click on one of the following: 2000 to 2007 or 1993 to 1999