Birders,
Thankfully 2020 is winding down and we are on the threshold of a new year. We can only hope 2021 will be better in every way!
Better than hope however is action.
In years past COA has encouraged Connecticut birders to go out during the month of January and find as many avian species as possible. The search area could be the entire state or any county within the state. This “Big January” contest was a fun way to get birders out in the field and to compete in a friendly game with other birders. This competition has motivated many birders and has been a source of real enjoyment. As we end a year that has seen many of our priorities change and has impacted many of our friends, family, and fellow citizens, we at COA feel “Big January 2021” should be about more than just a friendly game. This time it should count for more than just our lists.
As you all know, The Connecticut Bird Atlas Project has been in progress since 2018 and was originally scheduled to run through 2020. With the impacts resulting from the pandemic, it was decided to add a year to the project. This project is one of the most meaningful opportunities for a birder to contribute to the protection of our birds and important bird habitat. With that in mind, COA leadership has decided to sponsor a “Big January” contest that is based on contributing to the Atlas Project.
Big January Bird Atlas Contest
Participants will earn points for performing a one-hour survey in atlas blocks that need the most attention. These blocks are broken into two categories; one is blocks that are less than 20% complete for late winter, and the other is blocks that are between 20% and 50% complete for late winter.
Prizes
COA and a very generous anonymous donor are providing 5 copies of the exciting new book “All the Birds of the Worlds” as well as a pair of Vortex 8×42 Diamondback binoculars as prizes. A follow-up will be posted shortly with the actual rules of the competition, how prizes will be awarded (hint: one will be a “Young Birder” category), and an updated map of blocks-in-play will be made available to help birders quickly see where to perform surveys to earn points. So watch CTBirds for the official rules of play post coming soon.
The start of a new year often engenders hope which is something we all need right now. Now more than ever we can be the agents of hope ourselves.
Please join us in making a visible statement that we believe our birds matter, our natural world matters, and we are willing to act on our beliefs. Let’s start 2021 off with the best “Big January” yet!
Dave Provencher
Member COA Board of Directors
Southeast Coordinator CT Bird Atlas Project
Member Avian Records Committee of Connecticut
CTBirds Moderating Team
Most importantly, a simple soul who loves birds