The 17th Annual Birding Blitz of Southernmost IL, April 28, 2018! https://www.facebook.com/groups/317666471615613/
The Birding Blitz is an event held where teams compete to see and hear the most species of birds in a 24-hour period, while raising money for conservation in southernmost Illinois. Teams can search for birds throughout the area of southernmost Illinois, from Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Gallatin counties south through Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties. This area includes cypress swamps, upland forests, grasslands, and big rivers. Public lands in the area include Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Cache River State Natural Area, Mermet State Fish and Wildlife Area, Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Giant City State Park, Trail of Tears State Forest, and the Shawnee National Forest. Birds counted along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers must be no further than half way across the river when seen or heard. Prior to the Birding Blitz competition, teams gather pledges for each bird species recorded. After the designated 24-hour competition period is completed, each team submits a list of birds documented to the Birding Blitz Awards Committee to determine winning teams. Winning teams in each competition category are announced and awarded prizes during the Birding Blitz Awards Brunch. After the awards event, each team is responsible for collecting pledge donations. Pledge donations are used to help support wetland restoration efforts in the Cache River Watershed.