VA BIRDers,

The Kiptopeke Challenge is a birdathon organized by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory as its principal public fundraising effort; the 10th KC takes place on Sept. 18, 2004.

The data the CVWO collects is a continuation of long-running programs – stretching back nearly 40 years in the case of the Kiptopeke Station songbird banding program (one of the longest running stations in North America!).  Last year this program banded over 6,700 songbirds and 630 raptors and counted tens of thousands of raptors and butterflies at the Hawk Watch, Butterfly Count, and Monarch Butterfly Tagging Program.   This is because the Southern Tip of the Kiptopeke peninsula is clearly one of the premiere migratory sites along the mid-Atlantic.  The hundreds of millions of birds, hawks and butterflies are funneled by geography and forced to cross Hampton Roads in their south (or north) bound journey.

This is the only program of its kind in Virginia. Or the mid-Atlantic region.

For this program to continue, the CVWO needs to pay professional staff to capture and band the birds or tag the butterflies.  We need to buy the bands and tags. We need to replace used, worn out or damaged mist nets (often from deer).  We need to make new bow-spring traps for raptors.   And, we need to bring students and the public to the banding sites and make presentations, to print and distribute brochures, to write reports, archive data, purchase books and journals, and to provide for the other incidental items that are needed for a daily research program - not to mention to provide living quarters for our staff!

This program is not fully funded by any government agency or company.

I am hoping that you may be able to help in this year’s Kiptopeke Challenge.  You can help by forming a team, sponsoring a team, or sponsoring the whole event.

If you form a team, you can contribute in several ways.  Your team can bird a limited area.  For example:

***Paddler’s Dream Odysseys: Through special arrangement with Southeast Expeditions you and your paddler buddies can be trans ported to some of the most unique places on Kiptopeke.  Visit the amazing habitats of Parker’s Marsh or the Oyster area or try for Mockhorn Island – those Golden Plovers must be somewhere!   You will find birds that no one else will ever see! Bring your own kayak or one will be provided - for free!

***Special preserves such as the TNC’s Brownsville Farm or Virginia DCR’s Savage Neck or First Landing SP are places with a fine mix of hardwood and pine forests just per fect for migrating neo-trops! Got a boat? Then try Smith or Wreck Islands. (No? – ask me for help!) Or, if you’re attending the VSO weekend at Chincoteague NWR, form a team with your friends. Or form several teams and have a friendly competition amongst yourselves!

Or you can bird for a limited time.  Form a youth team (under 18 yrs).  Or bird for 24-hours.  No matter what your choice, I guarantee you will have fun!   And the CVWO stands ready to provide advice on places to bird or strategies.   All that we ask is that each team raise at least $100.  Afterwards, the CVWO will recognize the team efforts at the Eastern Shore Birding Festival Award Ceremony. And all participants get a prize.

Or you can sponsor a team. At this time teams are still signing up.  Let me know of your interest and I can tell you the present roster for you to choose your favorite “Knight in shining armor”.  Or, you can simply pledge to the event.  Each year, an average of 155 species are observed on Kiptopeke Challenge day on the eastern shore.   Pledges can be by species count or through a flat amount.  And your Bird Club can pledge to the event, too!  (Your club does not have to pledge a lot - $25 dollars can help band many birds!)

Tell me of your interest and pepper me with questions!  Drop me a line by email or give me a call at home 703 768 2172.  I will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Take the Challenge!

Wishing you all Good Birds,

Kurt Gaskill, KC 2004 Coordinator