Prizes, prizes, prizes

By Ilana DeBare

Okay, we know why you take part in Birdathon: You love Bay Area birds. You support Golden Gate Bird Alliance. And, last but not least, Birdathon is a lot of fun!

But hey. There are prizes too.  🙂

We wanted to take two minutes to share this year’s prizes for top Birdathon fundraisers. Volunteer Daryl Anne Goldman did a great job seeking out new prizes that would have special appeal to Audubon members. Thanks to Daryl’s efforts, we’re able to offer more prizes than ever before. And these donor businesses deserve public thanks for their support of Audubon and wildlife conservation. Think of them the next time you’re planning a birding getaway! (You can view more photos on our Birdathon Prizes web page. Or — if you haven’t yet signed up for Birdathon — click here for general info on how to take part, or here for the list of Birdathon trips.)

Mendocino vacation package – two nights

Mendocino is a wonderful birding and vacation destination… and our top Birdathon fundraiser will enjoy a two-night stay there in a Guest Cottage at the dramatic Point Cabrillo Light Station! Originally used for storage by the light keepers, the two cottages were restored in 2006 as comfy one-bedroom vacation rentals with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s just a two-minute walk to the lighthouse on the magnificent headland, from which you can see a great variety of birds and marine mammals. Hiking trails invite you to explore the 300-acre State Historic Park. Pelagic birding trips leave from nearby Noyo Harbor, and the picturesque village of Mendocino is a five-minute drive away. Non-weekend, non-holiday availability.

Complete your Mendocino vacation with two tickets to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg. Known for  their rhododendrons, perennials and heaths and heathers, the gardens are also a terrific birding spot, with over 150 species sighted there. Red-throated Loons are summer residents, and Ospreys, hawks, plovers and sandpipers are found year-round.  Look carefully and you might spot an Ash-throated Flycatcher, a Savannah Sparrow, a Pileated Woodpecker, or a Red-breasted Nuthatch. (Aerial photo by Mark Jones.

Click here for information on the Point Cabrillo Light Station or here for information on the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

The Jenner Inn – two nights

The historic Jenner Inn offers a spectacular opportunity to enjoy the romance and unique beauty of the Sonoma Coast. Situated at the mouth of the Russian River, you can watch for birds from the deck or balconies! The four acres of land and year-round creek behind the Inn are being augmented with bird feeders, native berry-producing plants, and other natural vegetation to encourage bird populations. Stroll the beaches, hike nearby trails, head down to Bodega Bay for more birding, or enjoy the wineries and restaurants of the Russian River. Prize includes two nights, Sundays through Thursdays. Click here for more information on the Jenner Inn.

The Inn at Fawnskin – two nights

Enjoy rustic elegance at The Inn at Fawnskin — a beautiful, family-run log cabin bed & breakfast on the quiet north shore of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast in front of the stone fireplace, then explore the hiking trails of nearby Big Bear Discovery Center or the Pacific Crest Trail, or visit the rehabilitated animals at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. You’re also near ski resorts and marinas… and lots of great southern Sierra birding, with other 200 species in the area! Prize includes a stay of two nights, valid Sundays through Thursdays. Click here for more information on The Inn at Fawnskin.

Sierra Hot Springs resort – two nights

Renew and energize yourself after a day of Sierra birding in the tranquil waters of Sierra Hot Springs. For almost 150 years, this land has hosted popular hot springs resorts. The spring water here is as smooth as silk and the pools, which are open 24 hours a day, are a true experience. Within the last several years, two of the springs have been beautifully redeveloped. Spend two relaxing weeknights at the resort, about 30 miles north of Truckee in Sierraville, and enjoy the birds of the Sierra! Prize includes a stay of two weeknight (subject to availability) plus a month-long membership to the resort. Click here to learn more about Sierra Hot Springs.

Howard Creek Ranch Inn – one night

Redwoods, farm life, historic architecture, hiking, tidepooling, and (of course) birding… Howard Creek Ranch Inn is an historic 60-acre oceanfront farm bordered by miles of beach and mountains on the beautiful Mendocino Coast. Enjoy the award-winning gardens, fireplaces/wood stoves, a 75-foot swinging foot bridge over Howard Creek, hot tubs, sauna, and a hearty hot farm breakfast. Spend one relaxing weekend night as your Birdathon prize (excluding holidays and high season), although we bet you’ll want more. Their web site even includes a bird list! Click here to learn more about Howard Creek Ranch Inn.

Joshua Inn B&B in Hollister – one night

Looking for California Condors at Pinnacles National Park? Turn your expedition into a mini-vacation with a night at the charming Joshua Inn in nearby Hollister. Joshua Inn owners Greg and Tricia Harvey will make you feel as welcome as family in their 1902 Queen Anne bed & breakfast, beautifully decorated in Victorian style. Nibble on a sweet from their penny candy bar, and enjoy a hearty hot breakfast that will provide a strong start to your condor quest. Golden Gate Bird Alliance members have stayed here on the way to see the condors during past Birdathons and loved it. Dates subject to availability. Click here for more about the Joshua Inn.

Sorenson’s Resort – one night

Snowshoeing in the winter… hiking through meadows of wildflowers and bird song in the spring and summer… Sorenson’s provides a cozy, friendly base for exploring and birding the Sierra high country during any season. A small resort that includes a full-service restaurant, a wood-fired sauna, and 165 beautiful acres of pine and aspen forest, Sorenson’s is located in Hope Valley, close to the Kirkwood Ski Area and Grover Hot Springs State Park. Enjoy a one-night stay on the weeknight of your choice… but we suspect you may want to add on a few additional nights to fully relax and enjoy the area. Click here to learn more about Sorenson’s.

Brunch for Two at the Cliff House

Imagine a chilly morning of watching Black Oystercatchers or even a Brown Booby at Land’s End in San Francisco…. then warming up over a sumptuous brunch of champagne, eggs, smoked salmon, and chocolate-dipped strawberries at the nearby Cliff House!  First opened in 1863, remodeled by Adolph Sutro in 1896, and acquired by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1977, the Cliff House and its panoramic views are beloved by thousands of San Franciscans and tourists. But only a few appreciate how convenient it is to the superb birding of Land’s End.  Enjoy a $100 gift certificate towards the famous Cliff House Sunday champagne brunch. Click here to learn more about the Cliff House.

Special Prize for the Top First-time Birdathon Fundraiser

Are you new to Birdathon? Or maybe new to birding entirely? We’re so glad you’re taking part… and as further incentive, this year’s top first-time Birdathon fundraiser will win a pair of Opticron Natura 8×42 binoculars.

Donated by Out of This World Optics in Mendocino, these binoculars feature fully multicoated optics along with phase-corrected roof prisms for maintained sharpness and color accuracy.  With a retail value of $349, they are a wonderful tool for both everyday birding and those special once-in-a-lifetime journeys!

Out of This World Optics is the leading retailer of binoculars, spotting scopes and telescopes in Central and Northern California. Since 1988 they’ve specialized in quality optics for everyone from casual birders to die-hard whale watchers. You can visit their store on Main Street in Mendocino to try out a wide selection of optics with stunning views of the Pacific coastline. Or browse their online store at OutOfThisWorldOptics.com. You can reach them at 1-800-228-8252 for assistance placing an order.