Birdathon

Birdathon Overview

There so are many great reasons to spend time outside looking for birds, especially during the spring migration season. ACNC’s annual Birdathon is a staff favorite because it combines birding with raising money for a cause!  

Each year, teams of birders raise money to fund the Ryan Exline Memorial Scholarship and to provide ongoing care and habitat improvements for Audubon’s Animal Ambassadors. The Ryan Exline Memorial Scholarship awards a $500 scholarship to a student pursing a degree in an environmental-related field. 

Additional money raised beyond the scholarship funds will help cover annual animal care expenses including visits to the vet, food, and other necessary items to keep Audubon’s animals healthy. These expenses are approximately $5,000 annually. This year’s goal is to raise $3,000 to fund this year’s scholarship and to offset some of the animal care expenses.

You can participate in a variety of ways!

1. Find a birding buddy and sign up as a team where people can pledge online to support your birding efforts. Birders can bird for 24 hours from Friday April 25 – Sunday May 4, 2025. It’s up to you whether you bird for 24 hours straight or a few hours every day. At least 60% of the team must be present to count. 

2. Not a birder? No problem! Visit the website or contact Leigh Rovegno (LRovegno@auduboncnc.org) to join or form a Birding Team. New birders are always welcome, and we are happy to add you to a team with ‘seasoned’ birders who can bring you up to speed.

3. Not interested in the birding, but want to support your favorite team or the animals at ACNC? Donors can contribute based on the number of birds seen or by making a flat contribution to support the cause.