PA Society For Ornithology Third Annual Breeding Bird Blitz For Conservation June 9-19, Sign Up Now!

The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology proudly announces its Third Annual Breeding Bird Blitz for Conservation will occur from June 9-19, 2023 and support three projects across the Commonwealth. 

Birders are invited to join the Blitz by forming a team, raising funds, and completing one or more “big days” to document birds during nesting season. 

Teams enlist their friends to support their efforts with a donation; all donations are evenly split among the three projects. 

Bird-lovers of all ages and skill levels are invited to visit the Breeding Bird Blitz for Conservation website to learn more about the event, to form and register a team, or to make a donation. 

Registration will open on April 1st. 

The 2023 Blitz aims to raise $16,000 to support the following bird conservation projects:

-- Foundation for Sustainable Forests (FSF), Erie County: Habitat management and public education at the Floraroze Forest, a preserve owned by FSF. Invasive understory shrubs will be removed from 25 acres as part of a forest management plan to enhance habitat for nesting songbirds. FSF will also create a video for other forest landowners to learn options for conservation of their lands. 

-- South Middleton Township Parks and Recreation, Cumberland County: Wetland and grassland enhancements along Yellow Breeches, to include planting of native reed species in wetlands, establishment of a native meadow, and installation of predator guards on dozens of nest boxes.

-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, statewide: Support of the Third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas. Efforts are well underway for the kickoff of the state’s third atlas, a critical tool for conservation planning and action. Funds raised in the Blitz will support the development of educational and training materials for use by volunteers when the Atlas begins data collection in 2024.

In its first two years, the Breeding Bird Blitz for Conservation has raised more than $25,000 in support of six projects. 

The 2022 Blitz featured more than 100 birders competing on 20 teams. Those birders raised $15,071 for conservation while documenting 170 species over four days in June. 

The expanded 11-day window in 2023 is designed to allow more birders to participate. 

Visit the Breeding Bird Blitz for Conservation website for updates on the event and all the details and stories from the event’s history

[Posted: March 30, 2023]  PA Environment Digest