THE 2012 MONTEZUMA MUCKRACE
September 7-8, 2012
Help celebrate the diversity of birds at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex by participating in the 16th annual Montezuma Muckrace, taking place on September 7-8, 2012. This 24-hour birding event raises funds to support conservation projects within the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.
This year our goal is to raise $12,000 to fund an observation platform at the Deep Muck Restoration Project on Northern Montezuma WMA and to supplement wetland enhancement projects along the Seneca River.
Donations are solicited through pledges sought by participants, registration fees, and sponsorships. The 2011 competition generated over $11,000, which is funding a water control structure at Puddler’s Marsh. 20 teams from throughout New York and neighboring states tallied 171 species, with the winning team, the Wind Birders, finding 118 species.
The Muckrace starts at 7:00 PM on September 7 and ends 24 hours later with a closing ceremony at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Birds are counted within the boundaries of the Complex for any or all of the 24-hour period. There are several levels of participation:
- Competitive (3 or more individuals who must count together)
- Youth (ages 9-16, any number, identifying birds without adult assistance)
- Low-Carbon (any number, no motorized assistance - biking, walking, paddling, sitting, etc); Family/Mentor (any number, at least one parent/leader with any number of young/beginning birders)
- Recreational (any number of adults)
Mid-September is an exciting time to be birding at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, one of New York's most productive birding destinations. Please consider either participating with your own team or pledging support to your local team.
The Muckrace is sponsored by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and Audubon NY.
Past Muckrace Musings for your enjoyment:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
