Dear Maryland Birders, 
On behalf of the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, and with the
kind permission of the MDOsprey List Owners, I extend the following
invitation to you:
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Coastal Virginia Wildlife
Observatory (CVWO). To help celebrate this milestone, the CVWO invites
you to participate in the 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge, set to be
held on Saturday, September 26, 2009. 
The Kiptopeke Challenge (KC) is a fun and friendly team birding
competition, whereby teams compete to identify the greatest number of
bird species in a single day within the competition boundary of Accomack
and Northampton Counties, Virginia (Virginia's portion of the DELMARVA
Peninsula), including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The primary
goals of the KC are to raise funds for the non-profit CVWO and to raise
awareness of fall bird migration on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 
It is easy to get involved and there are several categories in which to
compete : 24-Hour, 3-Hour, Youth Team (age 18 and under), and Special
Venue. The KC is open to anyone. Participants can form their own team or
a single individual can request to be placed with an existing team. 
The CVWO has set a goal for the 15th Annual KC - 15 teams! Please
consider forming a team today. It's a great way to put your birding
skills to work and help support an organization dedicated to avian
research, habitat conservation and public education. 
For more information, a brochure, or to get involved in the 15th Annual
Kiptopeke Challenge, please write to  or
visit <http://www.cvwo.org/>.
Sincerely,

Paul Nasca
CVWO - Kiptopeke Challenge Coordinator