Saturday at 10am while on a 23 mile training hike throughout DC, MD and VA 
we witnessed an adult Bald Eagle catch at fairly large shad a stone’s throw 
away from the Kennedy Center and carry it to the Southern tip of Roosevelt 
Island. Its mate (or buddy) was very interested in the catch and followed 
it and watched from a nearby tree.

The second part of my post is already known and supported by a few of my 
fellow MDOspreyers. I am taking on a 100KM hike to raise money for Cerulean 
warblers through American Bird Conservancy and would really welcome 
support. 

If curious, read on otherwise good birding to you this Spring and I look 
forward to reading your posts.


What Am I Doing? On April 29th 2006 I plan to hike and bird 100km from 
Georgetown through Maryland to Harpers Ferry along the C& O canal. Yes, 62 
miles in LESS THAN 24 hours. Start: 3am. Finish: before 11 PM. It sounds 
crazy (it is), but dozens of people attempt this Sierra Club-organized 
event every year and many make it!  Click on www.onedayhike.org. 

I am proudly working hard to raise over $3000 in donations to conserve wild 
birds and their habitat.  Specifically, my efforts will go to purchase more 
land around a new Columbian nature reserve that the American Bird 
Conservancy and conservation group, Fundación ProAves manage (see links at 
www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson).  This is South America's first protected 
area for a songbird that breeds exclusively in North America.  Opened last 
year this reserve is a critical wintering habitat for the Cerulean warbler. 


Why Would Anyone Do This Hike? This is my first attempt at this fast-paced, 
extreme hike; a physical and mental challenge. But as you know the100 
kilometers pales in comparison to the journeys that these 1/3 of-an-ounce 
(9g), 5-inch birds cover twice a year only to find fewer places to breed 
and winter due to habitat loss and migration hazards.  Also my hike is 
along a stretch of park where Ceruleans have nested.


How You Can Help Me Finish. Please consider making a donation at 
www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson as every bit counts. ABC is an extremely 
lean nonprofit ranked by Charity Navigator as one of the most operationally 
efficient with 4 out of 4 stars. 


I plan on sending a note chronicling; the species seen during the hike and 
fundraising results….If not too early, I hope to at least hear some 
Ceruleans as seeing them would be most difficult while walking.
Other Benefits for You.  Besides the satisfaction of supporting a fellow 
birder/hiker there are other benefits.  Donations are tax-deductible and 
each gift over $40 allows the giver to become an American Bird Conservancy 
member, (if desired). Gifts over $21 allow you to receive Bird Conservation 
magazine. 


If you have questions or would like to give but not be a member and get 
their publications, email me at   So please 
give what you can; $1 per kilometer , 50 cents per km or 25 cents per km 
will help. There are more links and details on the website.  
www.firstgiving.com/RobAnderson  


Many thanks for your concern and support -- please forward this to other 
birders. All supporters will receive a post-hike thank you letter/story 
from me!

Sincerely,

Rob Anderson (and my chief supporter Lynn)