Fundraiser • Birding • Conservation
Bird-a-thon 2026
FMWAS is chirping with excitement to announce the 2026 Bird-a-thon, running April 1–30, 2026. Our goal this year is to raise $7,500 to support the installation of a Motus Wildlife Tracking Station in our area—helping close a critical gap in the station network across the Florida Panhandle. Questions? Contact the Bird-a-thon coordinator, Julie Schiro, with any questions, comments, or inquiries.
What is a Bird-a-thon?
A Bird-a-thon is a fun, semi-competitive birding event that raises money for a worthy cause. Think of it as a walk-a-thon, but instead of counting miles, you’re counting bird species.
How it works
- Register as an individual or a team.
- Pick your 24-hour window any time between April 1–30, 2026.
- Count as many species as possible—yard, neighborhood, local hotspots, or a full-day route.
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Ask friends and family to sponsor you with either:
- a fixed donation, or
- an “extra-fun” per-species pledge.
- Celebrate your total and help power bird conservation in the Florida Panhandle.
New birders welcome: Participate from your backyard, a local park, or a full “big day.” Every species helps.
Who benefits from this fundraiser?
Donations received for the 2026 Bird-a-thon will support our efforts to install Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations across the Florida Panhandle. Using automated radio telemetry, Motus stations capture data from birds, bats, and large insects tagged with miniature transmitters.
Why Motus matters
- The Motus network of nearly 2,400 stations helps scientists and conservation groups monitor movement patterns over time.
- Precise tracking data supports better conservation decisions for migratory and breeding populations.
- Motus research has improved understanding of migration and stopover patterns for species like Red Knots, American Robins, and Monarch butterflies.
Each station represents a $7,500 investment. Installing at least one station in our area helps close an important gap in the station network across the Florida Panhandle. Learn more at motus.org.
Register to Bird
Register as an individual or team using our official registration form:
Sponsor pledge calculator
Sponsoring is easy: choose a per-species amount (or a flat gift), then multiply by the birder’s final species count. Here are a few popular options:
- $25 one-time gift
- $1/species (100 species = $100)
- $0.50/species (100 species = $50)
- $0.25/species (100 species = $25)
- Match a gift to double the impact
Example: If your birder finds 72 species and you pledge $0.50/species, your total gift is $36.
Sponsor a Birder • Make a Donation
Your support directly fuels local conservation work. Choose the giving style that fits you best:
- Flat donation (one-time gift)
- Per-species pledge (e.g., $1 per species identified)
- Match a gift to double the impact
If you’re sponsoring a birder with a per-species pledge, consider noting your pledge amount in the memo/message field on your donation.
Bird-a-thon FAQ
Do I have to be an expert birder?
No—participate at any level. Backyard birding counts. The goal is learning, community, and conservation impact.
When do I bird?
You choose any 24-hour period between April 1–30, 2026.
How do pledges work?
Sponsors can donate a flat amount, or pledge per species you identify during your 24-hour window.
Can I bird in my yard?
Absolutely. Backyard birders are encouraged—and often surprised by how many species they can find.