Every fall, MBA friends gather to count bird species seen from a 17 ’diameter circle as part of the greater national Big Sit! – a semi-competitive fundraiser that originated by the New Haven Bird Club in 1992. The main objective is enjoying the wildlife and camaraderie while raising funds for a worthy cause. Recently, all proceeds have been benefitting youth scholarships such as for the annual Arizona Field Ornithologists annual meeting.

To PARTICIPATE: Registration is required. Contact kathe.coot@cox.net. The Big Sit! is officially from 7-10am, but folks can arrive early and stay late. At 10am, we will have snacks, compare notes and make a list. Bring your coffee, breakfast and a snack to share. We’ll collect cash or checks onsite. Please make checks payable to “Maricopa Bird Alliance” with “Big Sit!” on the memo line. Note: Tonto National Forest pass required. Carpool arrangements are optional and encouraged.

Help Fund Youth Scholarships!
TO DONATE: Anyone can donate by cash, check or credit card at member meetings, the online form, or mail checks payable to Maricopa Bird Alliance, P.O. Box 65401, Phoenix, AZ 85082-5401. Write “Big Sit!” In the memo line. Donate a set amount, or per bird species seen (54 is average).

A big thanks goes to Kathe Anderson for once again organizing this event, and to Cindy Marple for co-leading!