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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>Save the Date: Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2025<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>What:</span></b><span lang=EN> The <b>Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon</b> is a 24-hour birding event designed for participation by birders who are legally blind. This inaugural event encourages participants to identify as many bird species as possible by sound (or sight as able), celebrating accessibility and the joy of birding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>Who:</span></b><span lang=EN> Any legally blind individual in the United States - of any age and any level of experience - is welcome to participate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>When:</span></b><span lang=EN> <b>Sunday, May 18, 2025<br></b>From 12:01 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. (local time)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>Where:</span></b><span lang=EN> Anywhere you bird! Participants can bird solo, with a team, or alongside a sighted assistant. Backyard birding, traveling teams, an outing on a trail and more are all welcome!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>Why:</span></b><span lang=EN> To foster community, increase participation in birding for people who are legally blind, and embrace birding by ear—a skill that often makes legally blind birders exceptionally adept.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>No experience necessary!</span></b><span lang=EN> Whether you're an experienced birder or new to birding, this event is for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>Highlights:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Virtual information session ahead of the event to help you prepare + meet others!<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Prizes for participants, with a chance to win donated items for anyone who participates.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN>Results compilation to showcase the diversity of birds heard across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN>How to Join:<br></span></b><span lang=EN>Registration is free! Visit our website at <a href="https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon">https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon</a> to sign up and receive updates. More details, including the registration link, will be available soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>For questions, contact Martha Steele at marthajs@verizon.net.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>Save the date and get ready to tune into nature this spring!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is a new and exciting opportunity for one and all! Please share this information with anyone and everyone that you may know.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks and blessings,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Donna Posont<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>