VA BIRDers,
I am writing to persuade your support of the 12th Kiptopeke Challenge. The KC
is the primary fundraiser for the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
(www.cvwo.org).
And why should you support the CVWO?
The CVWO, in existence for 12 years, has taken responsibility for the following
research programs, expanding and formalizing what were once a few volunteer
activities; consider that:
This year marks the 44th year of songbird banding at the tip of the
Delmarva Peninsula; the second longest running program in North America. Last
year CVWO banded its 300,000th songbird. This research program provides the
primary, long-term source of songbird migratory data along the eastern shore.
Its the 30th year of raptor counting at the tip; raptor banding has
existed for over 12 years. CVWO data has demonstrated that Swainsons Hawk,
Golden Eagle and Northern Goshawk are a regular, albeit rare or uncommon
migrants, along the eastern shore corridor. And more importantly, the data
provides vital information on long-term raptor usage along the corridor.
The 12th year that CVWO has performed educational activities in Coastal
Virginia. Our well qualified staff patiently takes the time to explain to the
many visitors and groups the reasons for their activity and why it is
important.
The 12th running of the Kiptopeke Challenge. The data collected by the
participating teams creates a record of avian presence in Coastal Virginia
to-date, 231 species have been recorded by the KC spanning September dates of
12 to 28.
The 10th year of the College Creek Hawk Watch, the longest running
spring raptor counting station in Virginia.
The 8th year of Monarch Butterfly tagging at the Southern Tip. This
effort is one of the few programs for which its subjects have been recaptured
as far away as Mexico! Data collected in this program are critical to the
long-term prognosis and survival of this much loved insect.
The 8th year of the Delmarva Tip Butterfly Count, which takes place in
mid to late July and is one of the longest running counts in the region. In
the short existence of this count an astounding 56 species of butterflies have
been logged!
The 5th year CVWO has performed spring migratory songbird banding in
Coastal Virginia; filling an obvious void in the database along this important
corridor.
The first year CVWO has begun a Coastal Virginia Prothonotary Warbler
nest box program at First Landing SP.
We encourage young birders for the last 6 years CVWO has supported
youth teams in the KC by giving special recognition and awards. This year, One
Good Tern of Alexandria has donated a set of environmentally friendly beltpacks
as the award to the best team.
We obtain less than 15% of our funds from government institutions.
That means the observatory relies upon the donations of people like YOU to meet
its mission.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization all donations are fully tax
deductible. The CVWO is lead by an all volunteer Board of Directors. Only the
staff biologists hired by the CVWO receive compensation; the budget is used to
pay for all research program supplies and the housing of our staff.
How can you help?
Support the CVWO. A small donation goes a long way in maintaining CVWOs
mission of protecting through research, education and conservation.
We know there are many conservation causes to choose. CVWO is in your backyard
and is obtaining data of local and global significance. Please support the
Kiptopeke Challenge teams or the event. Thank you.
The 2006 KC TEAMS:
Team Juvies (Youth Team), the ODells from PA
The "Laughing Falcons", David Clark & Co.
Virginia Beach Audubon "Dirty Dicksissle's", Terry Jenkins and classmates
Team Wild Birds Unlimited of Williamsburg, Brian Taber and friends
The "Tequila Mockingbirds", David Hughes et al.
CVWO's "Platform Poachers", brought to you by Bob Anderson
The "Wayward Loons" (Special Venue, Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR), Koppel &
Koeneke
Team VSO (Special Venue, Chincoteague NWR) Peggy Opengari and the crew
Northern Virginia Bird Club "Wandering Siskin" Kurt Gaskill et al
Please make out your sponsorship to CVWO; memo note your team & mail to:
Kurt Gaskill
4101 Komes Ct
Alexandria, VA 22306
Thank you VERY MUCH!
Wishing you all Good Birds,
Kurt, CVWO 2006 KC Coordinator
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