Counting for a Cause: 50 years of Birding for Conservation!

In the spring of 1976, a small group of passionate birders set out with binoculars, notebooks, and a bold idea: what if the simple joy of spotting birds could unite the community and help fund conservation efforts? 

Many years later, that spark has grown into a national tradition! Birdathon is Canada’s longest-running bird conservation fundraiser – going from a modest day of birding to a powerful movement connecting thousands of people through their shared love of birds and commitment to conservation.  

So what is a Birdathon? In a Birdathon, participants recruit sponsors who financially support their efforts to see as many species as they can in May. Many Birdathoners focus on a ‘big day’ where they complete their birding during a 24-hour period, though participants can also pace their outings across the entire month. 

Here are some highlights that showcase this event’s impact over the years:

• The first Birdathon in April 1976, saw 45 people raise $13,000. Flash forward fifty years – now over 3000 participants and 56,000 sponsors, have helped raise nearly $7.5 million for the conservation of birds in Canada!  
• For many years, the Birdathon was named after James (Jim) L. Baillie, who inspired many people in Canada to love birds. Jim also looked after the extensive bird artifacts and records at the Royal Ontario Museum. You can read more about this remarkable man on the Birds Canada Community Grant website. 
• In the 1980s, Birdathon experienced dramatic growth thanks to the participation of some “celebrity” birders. They included artist Robert Bateman, field guide author and illustrator Roger Tory Peterson, and authors Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson.  
• The artwork on Birdathon t-shirts has always been a conversation starter, with new designs each year featuring a different species, bringing its story to life and highlighting the conservation initiatives that help protect it. This year, participants will have the opportunity to earn special rewards as they fundraise, to celebrate the impact they’re making for birds. 

Today, Birdathon provides a unique opportunity for Canadians who love wild birds to do two important things.  

First, it invites everyone outside to appreciate and count birds at a time of year when the dawn chorus, migratory sightings, and bustling breeding activities are all so joyful to experience. As part of the fundraising effort, Birdathoners encourage family and friends to learn more about birds and the threats that they are facing.  

Second, and perhaps more important, it gives participants a chance to support the most urgent bird conservation work in Canada.   

Proceeds are split between the crucial work of Birds Canada across the country and grassroots projects. One way is through the Birds Canada Community Grant which directly funds small conservation projects. The other is by Birdathoners selecting members of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and having a portion of the funds they raise directed to a specific station.    

Birdathon is a major fundraiser for Birds Canada having provided millions of dollars for the conservation of birds. Here’s to the next 50 years!