Hi Tweeters,

The Okanagan Valley has long been regarded one of Canada's best birding
locations because of its vast variety of habitats. The valley is about 250
km from N. to S. and ranges from Armstrong, BC in the N. down to Osoyoos on
the US border. Nearly 330 species of birds have been recorded in the valley,
many of which remain to breed.

Each May birders from across BC and abroad join together to take part in the
Okanagan Valley Big Day Challenge. Teams take part in a friendly competition
to see who can find the most species within a 24 hour period. The winning
team usually tallies about 170 species. If you're not interested in a 24
hour birdathon, you can take part in the "Little Big Day" which lasts from 4
AM to 12 PM. This years event is on May 23 (Sunday). There is a May 24
brunch and get-together where stories are told and trophies are given out.

In recent years the popularity of the event has dwindled, most likely due to
poor advertisement. I would love to see this event gain back the popularity
it had 10 years ago! If any fellow Tweeters want to put together a team and
join in on the big day, raising money for conservation and seeing some
excellent birds and scenery this is the event for you! Contact me at email
address c_charlesworth23 at hotmail.com for some more information.

The Big Day is in conjunction with the annual Meadowlark Festival which you
can read more about at
http://www.meadowlarkfestival.bc.ca/

Hope you can make it,

Chris Charlesworth
Kelowna, BC

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