Bill Stewart (left), founder and organizer of the Delaware Bird-A-Thon, and Anthony Gonzon (right), President of the Delmarva Ornithological Society, present a check for $35,000 to Kate Hackett (center), Director of Delaware Wild Lands Incorporated for the purchase of the 653-acre Passmore Farm.

The Delmarva Ornithological Society’s annual Bird-A-Thon smashed previous records and raised $35,000 to help protect the 635-acre Passmore Farm. This acquisition helped to create 16,000 acres of contiguous habitat important for a host of bird species.

Not only did the annual fundraising event reach its goal of $35,000, it exceeded it by $17,000, making it by far the most successful in its 12-year history. “The additional funds will be used to purchase other properties in partnership with another conservation agency,” said Bill Stewart, founder and organizer of the Delaware Bird-A-Thon, adding that the announcement about the other properties is forthcoming.

Under the guidance of Bill Stewart, the Delaware Bird-A-Thon has continued to grow every year, raising more than ½ million dollars over its 12-year history. “But this year was really critical,” said Stewart, “Not only does it prevent acres of natural habitat from becoming another victim of urban sprawl, it also creates a uniquely situated habitat for hundreds of species of birds.”

This initiative is a project of the Delmarva Ornithological Society (DOS) in alliance with The Conservation Fund, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Delaware Wild Lands Inc.

The Delaware Bird-A-Thon is based on the same principles as a walk-a-thon. Participants sign up as many pledge sponsors as possible. During any single 24-hour period from May 5 to May 13, contestants could go birding anywhere in the state of Delaware, counting as many different species as possible.