Back in 2013, Owen Cunningham considered himself pretty knowledgeable about nature. But when he decided to tag along with Moose Hill team during Bird-a-thon he realized how much there was to learn.
Owen and his mother, Kathleen Guilday
“If you would have asked me then how many species of bird I thought were native to our state I might have guessed around 50,” he said. “But Mass Audubon counted 270 different species in 24 hours that year! I could not believe how little I knew of the native wildlife I had spent my whole life around. From that day, on I began keeping my own list to help me appreciate all these species I had been taking for granted.”
This year, he is doing more than just keeping a list. As the new property manager for the Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) in Canton, he inspired the sanctuary to participate in the fundraising and birding competition for the very first time.
The team has a modest goal of raising $3,000 to help support the 121 acres of conservation land for people, birds, and other native Massachusetts species as well as MABA’s expanding art collection and exhibitions, which are wonderful reminders of “how inspiring and beautiful our natural world is so long as we work to protect it.”
Check back after May 13 to see just how many species Owen and his teammates see!
Get Involved
Want to get more involved in Bird-a-thon? Join a team to create a fundraising page and/or contact a team captain to join a birding roster. Can’t participate in Bird-a-thon this year? Consider donating to a sanctuary or program team.
Thank You to our Bird-a-thon Sponsors
Lead Sponsor: Standard Auto
Support Sponsor: AmeriPride Services
Community Sponsor: MetLife