> I think Tony's proposals for a "restricted" twitchathon has merit in that
> it could encourage more participation by your average member of the bird
> clubs. However, I would suggest that the facility for this already
> partially exists in the form of the Champaign Twicthathon which is
> generally much more relaxed.
>
There is an environmental aspect to all of this too. Birders in general do
burn up a fair amount of petrol in pursuit of their hobby; and the
Twitchathon brings on a few extreme examples of that. Some years ago,
Jemery Day (ardent cyclist, then of Adelaide) and I suggested a third
division of the Twitchathon. The existing ones being Main and Champagne -
we mooted a Restricted or Handicap division, where totals would be judged
against the kilometres travelled. It didn't receive any support, and
consequently my team name remains apt (the Common Driving-Petrolheads).
I think Tony's proposal has merit, being along similar lines to the Handicap
event I mentioned earlier. David's comments are spot on too - the
Twitchathon needs promotion! I see the annual Twitchathon as a fabulous
opportunity for Birds Australia to publicise its aims and activities - an
opportunity missed I think. It could have been a vehicle for popularising
the Atlas project as well. How about an episode of the ABC's "Australian
Stories", following a Twitchathon team during preparation and the race -
great potential for a few laughs if nothing else. I don't think the
Twitchathon is an elitist event - the Petrolheads did win it after all! I
can see that it has that kind of image though, and I for one would be happy
to be involved in promoting the 1999 Twitchathon in new and more inclusive
ways.
How about a "Twitchathon-99" committee? Sorry for that dirty word
(committee), but I think we need a few different opinions from racers,
organisers, rank & file birders, etc. .... and while we're at it, we could
perhaps try to sort out the BA/QOSI Twitchathon clash that occurs every
year.
Cheers, Lawrie
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