Dear Friends of Missisquoi,

Thank you for making a plan for the Big Sit that recognizes both the
seriousness of Covid 19 and the importance of including visitors, even
during this difficult time.  Your welcome stands in contrast to other
annual birding events that have been planned for this year.  The Friends of
Missisquoi's  kind invitation to the  broader community allows people to
feel welcome with precautions and recognizes our community's ability to act
responsibly during the current extraordinary circumstance. It also goes a
long way toward ameliorating one's sense of isolation during this time.

Thank you,
Coleen Lawlor




On Sat, Oct 3, 2020 at 6:33 PM Rich Kelley <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>
>
> From: Friends of Missisquoi <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, October 3, 2020 3:42 PM
> To: Friends of Missisquoi <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Missisquoi Refuge - Big Sit!
>
>
> After much discussion, the Friends of Missisquoi are pleased to invite you
> to our 4th annual “Big Sit!” A day-long birding event on Saturday, October
> 10th, 2020.  The Big Sit! is an annual, international, noncompetitive
> birding event hosted by the New Haven (Connecticut) Bird Club. The Big Sit!
> is like a ‘Big Day’ or a bird-a-thon in that the object is to tally as many
> bird species as can be seen or heard within 24 hours. It’s been described
> as a “tailgate party for birders.”
>
> Although referred to as a 24-hour event, we’ll be concentrating on
> daylight hours, and will set up by 6:30am at the observation deck on the
> Stephen J. Young Marsh, and stay until sunset, about 6:30pm. Anyone is
> welcome to stop by anytime during the day and stay as briefly, or as long,
> as you like. In the event of extreme weather, we will reschedule for
> Sunday, October 11th.
>
> Because of Covid-19 concerns, we are limiting the number of participants
> that can be on the platform at any given time to 5.  We won’t turn anyone
> away, but we’re asking people to space out along the walkway and take turns
> on the observation deck.  Please have masks to wear when in close proximity
> to others.
>
> The Stephen J. Young Marsh is located on Tabor Road<http://mapq.st/2x7znRs>,
> about 1 mile south of the refuge Headquarters. There is a parking lot on
> the left (east) side of the road and it is just a short walk to the
> observation deck.
>
> During our event last year, we recorded 33 species – Not a record year,
> but we had a beautiful day in the marsh!  We hope to beat that this year
> and we’re looking forward to seeing you there!
>