Hello Kiptopeke Challenge Supporters and Virginia Birders;
On September 13, 2008, the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory (CVWO)
held its' 14th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge. The Kiptopeke Challenge is a
fun and friendly team birding event and the primary fundraiser for the
CVWO. Once again, the caliber of competitors, the warm weather, and the
non-breeding plumage of most birds gave real meaning to the word
"Challenge" in the event's title.
Five teams amicably slugged it out in the 24-hour category, scouring
Virginia's Eastern Shore of Accomack and Northampton Counties, to
identify the most birds. Placing first in the event was the Augusta
Bald Eagles (Allen Larner and Janice Frye) who tallied an impressive 125
species, with the highlights being the only Whip-poor-will, Northern
Gannet, Virginia Rail, Dunlin, Wilson's Snipe, Acadian Flycatcher, Sedge
Wren and Black-billed Cuckoo (among others) found in the event!
Placing second with 115 species was defending champions, team Wild Birds
Unlimited, Williamsburg (Brian Taber and Paul Nasca) who located the
first Blue-winged Warbler in the event's history. Close behind with 106
species was team Laughing Falcons (Bob Ake, David Clark, and Renee
Hudgins) who found the only Piping Plover and Whimbrel in the Challenge.
Double X Team - Williamsburg Bird Club (Shirley Devan, Alex Minarik,
Susan Powell, and Lee Schuster) located the only American Pipit to bring
their tally to 94 species. The Brown Headed Nut Cases - Virginia Beach
Audubon (Terry Jenkins, Shelia Scoville, Aaron Decker, and Robert
O'Dear) scored the only Yellow-throated Warbler in the event, and the
first ever Blue-headed Vireo in the Challenge, to bring their total to a
respectable 88 species.
Team Juvies (Margaret and Cameron Odell, with driver John Young) was
unrivaled in the Youth Team category, yet they put up an impressive
effort by identifying 100 species, including the Challenge's only
Marbled Godwit and Swamp Sparrow.
Competing in the Special Venue category was team Wayward Loons (Glenn
Koppel and Mary Alice Koeneke) who birded the Eastern Shore of Virginia
NWR, identifying 77 species including the only Broad-winged Hawk,
Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green and Hooded Warblers observed on the
Shore. Also competing in this category, but outside the geographic
awards area, was The Birding Tribe (Dan Cristol, Ryan Burge, and Andy
McGann) who tallied 116 species, including Red-necked Phalarope and
Upland Sandpiper in their search of Carney Island and vicinity.
In the Hawkwatch category was CVWO Platform Poachers (Bob Anderson,
Aaron Bevill, and Jethro Runco) who observed some Challenge rarities
like Worm-eating Warbler and House Wren to bring their total to 45
species. True to the name, Bear Mountain (Patti Reum, Norm Bell, and
John Spahr) added some higher elevation specialties like Common Raven,
Black-capped Chickadee, and Vesper Sparrow to their notable total of 32
species.
On behalf of the CVWO I'd like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to all of
the participants and to everyone who made a financial donation to one of
the teams or the event!
For those who still want to make a donation, it's not too late!
Thank you also to the businesses that help support the event - Wild
Birds Unlimited, Williamsburg, Wetland Studies and Solutions of
Gainesville, VA, and Burke Wild Bird Center of Burke, VA.
The presentation of team awards and the recognition of all participating
teams will be made at the CVWO Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 8,
2008, from 3-6pm at the new Kiptopeke State Park Cabins. If you would
like to attend the Annual Meeting, please contact CVWO President, Brian
Taber at taberzz@xxxxxxx.
Best Birds,
Paul Nasca Coastal Virginia
Wildlife Observatory
Kiptopeke Challenge Coordinator P.O. Box 1225
nasca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Virginia Beach, VA 23451
