THE 2011 MONTEZUMA MUCKRACE

September 9 - 10, 2011

Help celebrate the diversity of birds at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex by participating in the 15th annual Montezuma Muckrace, taking place on September 9 and 10, 2011. This 24-hour birding event raises funds to support conservation projects within the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

This year our goal is to raise $13,000 to fund the purchase a new water control structure for Puddler Marsh. This structure will provide greater flexibility in managing water levels within the impoundment, allowing refuge staff to alter water levels independently of Knox-Marsellus Marsh. This will allow Puddler Marsh to be managed more effectively to create mudflats for migrating shorebirds and to promote the growth of emergent vegetation for breeding marsh birds and migrating waterfowl.

Donations are solicited through pledges sought by participants, registration fees, and sponsorships. This year Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex will match funds raised by any team collecting over $1000. The 2010 competition generated nearly $13,000, which is funding a 30-acre wetland restoration project off Savannah Spring Lake Road. 22 teams from throughout New York and neighboring states tallied 192 species, with the winning team, The Gallinagos, finding 147 species.

The Muckace starts at 7:00 PM on September 9 and ends 24 hours later with a closing ceremony at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Birds are counted within the boundaries of the Complex for any or all of the 24-hour period. There are several levels of participation:

  • Competitive (3 or more individuals who must count together);
  • Youth (ages 9-16, any number, identifying birds without adult assistance);
  • Low-Carbon (any number, no motorized assistance - biking, walking, paddling, sitting, etc); Family/Mentor (any number, at least one parent/leader with any number of young/beginning birders);
  • Recreational (any number of adults).

Mid-September is an exciting time to be birding at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, one of New York's most productive birding destinations. Please consider either participating with your own team or pledging support to your local team.

The Muckrace is sponsored by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and Audubon NY.

For more information about participating, becoming a team sponsor, or to be added to the mailing list, contact Jane Graves at jgraves@skidmore.edu. The registration deadline is August 22.

2011 Muckrace Resources:
Registration Form
Checklist
Competitve Level Rules
Rules for Non-Competitve Participants

Past Muckrace Musings for your enjoyment:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010