Birdathon Events at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

San Fernando Valley Audubon invites you to join in on three Birdathon events taking place in the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve.  Birdathon leaders engage in friendly competition with each by soliciting sponsors and searching for as many bird species as possible.  You can participate in these fundraising events by lending your eyes and ears to maximize the species counts and by pledging sponsorship to one or more of the team leaders and submitting donations to SFVAS.  Visit the website at www.sfvaudubon.org, click “Annual Birdathon” for details.  Bring your own binoculars if you have them; a few are available to loan.

            1.  The regularly scheduled first-Sunday-of-the-month birdwalk will double as leader Kris Ohlenkamp’s “Big Day” event on Sunday, May 4, at 8:00 a.m.  Kris hopes to see about 75 species on this walk through the North and South Reserves, and he welcomes the public’s help in spotting the birds he misses!

            2.  Linda Jones will host the “Big Sit” on Friday, May 10, once again proving that a good way to see birds is to sit still and let them come to you!  Last year we saw 31 species from a single location in two hours. Please join Linda at the first viewing area at the Wildlife Lake from 9-11 a.m.  Bring a chair or cushion to the Big Sit if you wish. 

            3.  The “Children’s Birdathon” is for junior birders who will participate with their families on Saturday, May 11, from 9-11 a.m.  Children and their families sign up sponsors, then walk with a guide to see as many species as possible.  Last year the families saw 30-35 species!   Please RVSP for the Children’s Birdathon to Diana Keeney at 818.998.3216 or diana.keeney@sfvaudubon.org. 

 The funds generated by the Birdathon enable SFVAS to host thousands of school children in the Sepulveda Basin Environmental Education Program, support the San Fernando Valley Bird Observatory, contribute to habitat conservation efforts, and continue the mission to increase public awareness and broaden appreciation of wildlife and the natural environment.  Please contribute to the Birdathon as generously as you can!

Directions: 6100 Woodley Avenue: Turn north from Burbank Bl. onto Woodley Ave., which is ½ mile west of the San Diego Freeway (I-405).  Travel about ½ mile to the second possible right turn and turn east (right) at the sign for the Wildlife Reserve.  Bear right at the fork in the road and go east ½ mile to the Wildlife Area parking.  Meet at the amphitheater.