What is a Big Sit!?
The idea of a Big Sit! is to see as many birds as possible in a single day from one location. But more than that: it’s a fundraiser and a fun event! The Big Sit allows you to make your support for birds count while the birders count the birds.
How Does the Big Sit! Work?
Our crack team of birders count birds for one day from one spot: technically from a circle 17 feet in diameter. We will start in the wee hours (just after midnight, if our alarm clocks work), counting birds that we hear passing overhead or in the surrounding trees — and yes, some of us really can tell which ones are which. At least Jim McCormac can. We will continue through the day, then as far into the evening as coffee and snacks can take us. But we can only count birds heard or seen from one location — the roof of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.
We are allowed to take “necessity” breaks, but when outside the circle, we can’t count any birds. While in the circle, we can stand, sit, lie down, jump around (we’ve done that to stay awake) — anything we like, so long as we stay in the circle. The birds can be outside the circle, so long as we can hear or see them.
How Do You Fit Into the Big Sit!?
Your part is to visit the spot, enjoy the birds, and consider a contribution to support the conservation programs of Columbus Audubon. We are holding this year’s Big Sit! fundraiser on the official Big Sit! day, Sunday, October 11. Our friends at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center will keep the tally of birds seen, with frequent updates on Facebook and Twitter.
So Why Do a Big Sit!?
The Big Sit serves has two purposes. First, have fun! Come on out to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center [map] during daylight hours, say hello to Jim and Bill, and see how we’re doing. Make it a family event and we’ll try to point out a few birds and answer your questions. Second, it’s a fundraiser, so please make a pledge – or just drop a few bucks in the pot when you arrive. All money raised goes to support CA’s Conservation Grant program and other bird conservation and education initiatives.