Saturday at 10am while on a 23 mile training hike throughout DC, MD and VA we witnessed an adult Bald Eagle catch at fairly large shad a stone?s throw away from the Kennedy Center and carry it to the Southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Its mate (or buddy) was very interested in the catch and followed it and watched from a nearby tree.
The second part of my post is already known and supported by a few of my fellow area birders. I am taking on a 100KM hike to raise money for Cerulean warblers through American Bird Conservancy and would really welcome support.
If curious, read on otherwise good birding to you this Spring and I look forward to reading your posts.
What Am I Doing? On April 29th 2006 I plan to hike and bird 100km from Georgetown through Maryland to Harpers Ferry along the C& O canal. Yes, 62 miles in LESS THAN 24 hours. Start: 3am. Finish: before 11 PM. It sounds crazy (it is), but dozens of people attempt this Sierra Club-organized event every year and many make it! Click on www.onedayhike.org.
I am proudly working hard to raise over $3000 in donations to conserve wild birds and their habitat. Specifically, my efforts will go to purchase more land around a new Columbian nature reserve that the American Bird Conservancy and conservation group, Fundación ProAves manage (see links at www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson). This is South America's first protected area for a songbird that breeds exclusively in North America. Opened last year this reserve is a critical wintering habitat for the Cerulean warbler.
Why Would Anyone Do This Hike? This is my first attempt at this fast-paced, extreme hike; a physical and mental challenge. But as you know the100 kilometers pales in comparison to the journeys that these 1/3 of-an-ounce (9g), 5-inch birds cover twice a year only to find fewer places to breed and winter due to habitat loss and migration hazards. Also my hike is along a stretch of park where Ceruleans have nested.
How You Can Help Me Finish. Please consider making a donation at www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson as every bit counts. ABC is an extremely lean nonprofit ranked by Charity Navigator as one of the most operationally efficient with 4 out of 4 stars.
I plan on sending a note chronicling; the species seen during the hike and fundraising results?.If not too early, I hope to at least hear some Ceruleans as seeing them would be most difficult while walking.
Other Benefits for You. Besides the satisfaction of supporting a fellow birder/hiker there are other benefits. Donations are tax-deductible and each gift over $40 allows the giver to become an American Bird Conservancy member, (if desired). Gifts over $21 allow you to receive Bird Conservation magazine. If you have questions or would like to give but not be a member and get their publications, email me at robertanderson1@xxxxxxxxxxx. So please give what you can; $1 per kilometer , 50 cents per km or 25 cents per km will help. There are more links and details on the website. www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson
Many thanks for your concern and support -- please forward this to other birders. All supporters will receive a post-hike thank you letter/story from me!
Sincerely,
Rob Anderson (and my chief supporter Lynn)
