Philip,
I have no idea if you have ever
participated in one of these twitchathons but this particular variety comes in
several different levels. The “COG” team was in the “main
race” category where there are some quite good prizes up for grabs to the
team who sees the most species, raises the most money etc. There are also
prizes in the lesser categories, including something for children. For those in
the “main” race, where you are going, or where certain species are
to be found, are treated with the utmost secrecy. Weeks, and sometimes months,
are spent planning the route to be taken. We had about a month to sort
something out which is why I asked for help. My comment about sending and
receiving “….an open chat line …. Ooops”, was said very
tongue in cheek, as I knew we were the only team from the local area that was
in the “main” race. I knew there were two local teams in the next
level down and if we helped them, albeit unknowingly, then well and good.
You comment “what
is the benefit (for the birds) of other teams getting a lower score?”.
There is none, what is important is the total amount raised. You don’t
have to get the most species to raise a lot of money. Our team raised around
$2000 for bird conservation, from COG members and friends, and we were a long
way from the winner’s species total. The thing here is, we
participated – unlike some people - and a lot of people sponsored us,
again unlike some people. We had a lot of fun and three team members saw some
new species and new birding sites.
Yes, you are missing something - it’s called having a
go.
Mark
From: Philip Veerman
[
Sent: Friday, 3 November 2006 4:06
PM
To: Mark
Clayton;
Subject: Twitchathon results
Just a curious comment. Mark notes at the end: "Thanks
to all those who gave us directions to various species. We may not
have been able to use them at the time but there were one or two other not
quite so serious teams in the race who did (we forgot we were using an open
chat line …. Oooppps!)."
I could be wrong but that suggests to me that Mark is
regretting the possibility that other teams may have been in a position to get
more species due to information offered to his team. I assume Mark's team and
the other teams are each using it as a fund raiser for birds. Am I missing
something? Is it the case with the more species each team finds, the
more funds come in? Then isn't it best if each team's total is as high as
reasonably possible. Therefore I would have thought it is best if such
information is shared. As in what is the benefit (for the birds) of other teams
getting a lower score?
Philip
