Ever hear of the Big Sit? I just heard of it this year as it took place last week. It's a 24 hour event where a group stays seated in a circle (hopefully in a good birding area) and jots down each type of species of bird they see or hear. They are not allowed to include birds seen in any other area except from the circle unless it is to confirm one they saw or heard from the circle. It's a great way to raise money for your bird club or your state Audubon chapter.
Of course it can be a lot of fun for those involved!
Here is a link with some information and a video:
http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/bigsit.aspx
Here are the Rules of play - http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/rules.aspx
The Results for each year- http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/pastyears.aspx (Click on "statistics" to see winners runner ups etc.)
Here are the List of States (w/ captains) that were involved this year - http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/results09/circles.php
People from the Cape May Bird Observatory have done this for the last 4 years and have won first place each year (sharing top spot w/ a California town one year). It's not just North Americans that do this but groups from around the world ( England, India, New Zealand) and other places.
The event is sponsored by Swarovski Optic and there is a drawing at the end where any team can win $500.
Barbecues, sleeping bags and other things go can be brought. Sounds like a blast to me! Why not try and get your club involved!
Here is the Registration page: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/register.aspx
