Over 100 individuals throughout the UK got here collectively to share their pleasure about birds and have a good time BTO’s ninetieth anniversary within the Large Chook Race 2023 on 23 September.
The Large Chook Race, organised by BTO Youth Representatives, confirmed us how highly effective it’s once we all come collectively and luxuriate in the great thing about our fowl buddies. A complete of 117 individuals took half, from whole freshmen to skilled birdwatchers, occurring birdwatching races in a variety of habitats to establish as many species as attainable in 4 hours whereas utilizing solely inexperienced technique of journey.
For The Allsorts workforce from Staffordshire, the spotlight was “everybody being excited EVERY time we noticed one other fowl (irrespective of how frequent!) and ensuring it was recorded within the species checklist!”
For others, such because the Crickley Hillbillies workforce from Gloucestershire, the very best a part of the day was “discovering birds that have been ‘lifers’ for some members – Goldcrest for one and Inexperienced Woodpecker for one more.”
And households reminiscent of Crew Sandbrook from Cambridgeshire beloved “being exterior collectively for the afternoon, within the sunshine and the contemporary air.”
Birdwatching for everybody
BTO Youth’s intention wasn’t simply to show individuals about birds, but additionally to make everybody really feel like birding and nature could be for them.
BTO Youth’s intention wasn’t simply to show individuals about birds, but additionally to make everybody really feel like birding and nature could be for them. By bringing collectively an entire host of expertise ranges and ages, everybody could have discovered one thing new, made some nice recollections and, hopefully, grown a larger appreciation for birds.
Our thanks go to the BTO Youth Representatives for organising the nationwide Large Chook Race 2023, and to those that hosted groups on the day.
Prize winners and particular mentions
Inland League
Groups within the Inland League took half over 5 miles from the coast.
First Prize: London Lads with 86 factors
Second Prize: No Nuns Impeded with 67 factors
Third Prize: Lambourne with 66 factors
Extra prizes went to the workforce with the rating closest to the median (center) total rating, and the workforce with the second-to-lowest rating.
Closest to the median rating: Three Creepers with 40 factors
Second-to-lowest rating: The ‘Robin’ Hoods with 16 factors
Coastal League
Groups within the Coastal League took half inside 5 miles of the coast.
First Prize: Clochan Wonders with 66 factors
Second Prize: Crew Edinbird with 64 factors
Third Prize: Penryn Birders with 55 factors
Extra prizes went to the workforce with the rating closest to the median (center) total rating, and the workforce with the second-to-lowest rating.
Closest to the median rating: Bearded Tits with 49 factors
Second-to-lowest rating: Mafia Finches with 33 factors
Intergenerational Hole Award
The Greatest Intergenerational Hole Award went to the Wandering Wilsons workforce, with an unbelievable age distinction of 68 years, 9 months, and 12 days between their youngest and oldest member! The workforce was joined, amongst others, by David (age 77) and Morgan (age eight).
Uncover extra about occasions like this and different alternatives to get entangled within the BTO Youth Hub.