The first birding event of May sponsored by Boothbay Region Land Trust is a 24-hour Birding Marathon scheduled for Tues. May 17 on many of the BRLT preserves. Ornithologist and BRLT board member Jeff Wells and well-known birder Nancy Bither are leading this event, which in some places has been called "World Series Birding."

The task? To find at least 100 birds that either make the Boothbay Region peninsula and the BRLT preserves their home, or are passing through while migrating.

Wells has been participating in birding marathons for a number of years and was part of a Cornell University team for 12 years that "won" many times. He said that a hundred years ago, the event was called ``the big day," and because the goal is to find at least 100 birds it's often referred to as a ``century run."

While a team of hearty folks will be walking BRLT preserves for 24 hours, Wells believes that the major numbers will be seen or heard during the day. He expects to cover all the preserves within the 24 hours, but during the day the team will visit Penny Lake, Lobster Cove, Zak, Ovens Mouth, Porter and Gregory, and more.

Wells said this will be a fun and exciting event, particularly because it will show how many birds can be seen on the peninsula, and on BRLT preserves. He expects to find a great diversity of species, such as owls and migrating songbirds flying over at night. "This should be fun, and will give people a taste of competitive birding," Wells said.

The marathon is open to anyone, from beginners to experienced birders. Wells and Bither will record the species of birds seen and heard, and others are encouraged to bring a field guide and keep track themselves. Other items suggested are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes (some places might still be wet), hats and bug spray.

The plan is to meet at the Center Café in Boothbay at 8 a.m. to begin the morning session, and return there at noon for lunch and for others to join the afternoon session.

Registration is required. Call BRLT 633-4818 to register and for more details.

Two additional birding events are scheduled for May. Welcome Back, Warblers, on May 20 at Zak Preserve and on Tues., May 27 at Lobster Cove Meadow, both beginning at 7 a.m. Nancy Bither will lead both walks.