Embarking on a New Adventure: My Journey with the GGBA Birdathon
by Clive Harrison
My wife and I took up birding in 2024—not by accident, but out of curiosity. What began as a simple desire to put our high-quality binoculars (purchased for a 2018 safari but left gathering dust) to good use has since evolved into what I now know will be a lifelong passion. Definitely one of the catalysts for this becoming such an enjoyable hobby was the great introductory courses and field trips run by GGBA – Thanks Maureen!!
I recently started participating in the Golden Gate Bird Alliance’s (GGBA) annual Birdathon—a decision that has enriched my life in unexpected ways. Not only did I set a personal goal to identify 40 bird species, of which I’ve already spotted 31, but I also aimed to raise $1,000 for GGBA’s vital conservation efforts.
I chose to photograph birds as being a newbie I like to get home and make sure I have identified them correctly! My goal now is to have some rare birders and lifers in my final 9. To my delight, reaching this fundraising milestone was both straightforward and rewarding.
Understanding Birdathon’s Mission
Birdathon is GGBA’s largest annual fundraiser, designed to support their education programs, advocacy work, and conservation of bird and wildlife habitats in the Bay Area. This year’s goal is ambitious: raising $200,000 to protect our native bird populations and inspire future generations about the wonders of our natural world.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Success
The 2024 Birdathon was a testament to the community’s dedication, raising over $160,000—the most successful fundraiser GGBA has ever held. Approximately 400 community members participated in nearly 50 programs, highlighting the collective passion for bird conservation.
My Fundraising Experience
Initially, the idea of fundraising seemed daunting. However, GGBA provides a comprehensive Fundraising Tips Sheet that guided me through the process.
- Setting Up a Personal Campaign: I created a fundraising page on GGBA’s platform, sharing my birding goals and the importance of supporting GGBA’s mission.
2. Engaging My Network: I reached out to friends, family, and colleagues, sharing my enthusiasm for birding and the significance of GGBA’s work. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Ex: ““Thank you Clive! We love our birdies 🦅🐦⬛🦉🪿♥️”
3. Utilizing Social Media: Regular updates on my birding progress, accompanied by photos and anecdotes, kept my supporters engaged and attracted new donors.
4. Expressing Gratitude: I ensured that every contributor received a heartfelt thank-you, reinforcing the impact of their support. My donors included relatives, friends who I know are birders from around the country, and colleagues who, though not birders, have a love for the outdoors.
To my surprise, in a couple of weeks I reached my $1,000 goal underscoring the community’s willingness to support meaningful causes.
Encouraging Others to Participate
If you’re considering joining Birdathon, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you. The fundraising process is user-friendly, and GGBA offers ample resources to assist you.
Participating in Birdathon not only contributes to vital conservation efforts but also connects you with a community of like-minded individuals. It’s an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for nature and make a tangible difference in preserving it.
Join the Cause
Birdathon 2025 runs from March 1 to May 20, offering various activities, including unique birding adventure tours, the Bay Birding Challenge, an online auction, and an in-person celebration event.
By participating, you’re directly supporting GGBA’s initiatives, such as:
- Eco-education Programs: Connecting students at Title I schools with nature.
- Habitat Restoration: Mobilizing volunteers to restore critical bird habitats.
- Advocacy Efforts: Supporting bird-friendly local policies.
Embarking on this journey has been profoundly fulfilling. I invite you to join Birdathon 2025, set your own goals, and experience the joy of contributing to a cause that truly matters. Together, we can ensure that Bay Area birds continue to thrive for generations to come.
If you need help creating your own pledgeit page please do not hesitate to email me and the committee Birdathonhelp@goldengatebirds.org.