This is an annoucement and invitation to the 5th annual "Sitting on Our Assateague" Big Sit!  
 
For those who haven't participated in the past, the Big Sit! is an event sponsored by Birdwatcher's Digest where participants identify birds from a 17 foot diameter circle.  The official rules can be read at:
 
 http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx
 
"Sitting on Our Assateague" has been in existence for 4 years with totals of 69, 103, 91, and 72.  In 2003, we had the highest total in the United States (103) thanks to poor weather in California and Texas and great birds on Assateague!  We have also had a good track record with rare and uncommon birds including Sandwich Tern (2005), Eurasian Collared-Dove (2002), Orange-crowned Warbler (2004), Clay-colored Sparrow (2004), Dickcissel (2002, 2003), and Yellow-headed Blackbird (2003).  We have recorded 139 cumulative species over the 4 years and we look forward to adding several more this year.   
 
Our circle is located on Assateague Island at the end of the Bayside Campground road by canoe rentals.  If you need more specific directions please feel free to email me.  This is the same location as the morning flights that Mark Hoffman has posted about several times already this fall.  The majority of the birds are flybys but usually get good perched views of most migrants.
 
There is a chance that I will not make it this year, but Big Sit! veterans Jim Stasz and Zach Baer will be on hand to lead the festivities in my absence.  If I make it down, I'll be there between 3 and 4am unless there is inclement weather in which case I'll be there by 6am.  I can't speak for the other guys, but I imagine it will be a similar schedule.  No need to RSVP, just show up!  We usually call off the Sit between noon and 1pm due to a lack of activity.
 
Hope to see you there!
 
Matt Hafner
Bel Air, MD
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