Please patronize these generous sponsors, who help make our Spring Birdathon so successful in raising money for youth environmental education and conservation programs for the Bay Area.

Visit this list often since we are frequently adding new prizes. These prizes may be combined or divided to form prize awards. Please note and respect offer expiration dates.

Last updated: April 21, 2010

Golden Eagle Sponsors
Those who donated more than $600 in prizes

Rufous-tailed
Jacamar
©Edward Rooks

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
Trip to Trinidad and Tobago
Doug, Gail, and Ted Cheeseman donated a wonderful birding and wildlife tour to Trinidad and Tobago May 5 - 20, 2011. Experience the magnificent wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago with wildlife enthusiast and artist Edward Rooks. Located just 10° north of the Equator, Trinidad and Tobago are special islands of tropical forests and diverse habitats that sustain unequaled species diversity. May is a most beautiful time of year in Trinidad and Tobago with its more than 400 species of birds. Arrive at the height of the nesting season for the Leatherback Sea Turtle. Visit famous Asa Wright Nature Centre to see the rare cave-dwelling Oilbirds and other wonderful birds and animals. Watch hummingbirds and honeycreepers sip nectar from the profusion of blooms and Bearded Bellbirds feast on ripening fruit. Channel-billed Toucans, along with so many other birds, await you on forest walks. Snorkel in beautiful reefs to see colorful fish up-close or watch through a glass-bottom boat - it's your choice. Photograph the brilliant Scarlet Ibis at Caroni Swamp and get a taste of Indian- and Creole-inspired local cuisine. This trip is for everyone who loves nature. Airfare is not included.

Travel Pack

Patagonia
Gear
Patagonia is a new sponsor for us and we are glad to have them! This great company has a strong commitment to protecting undomesticated lands and waters, and believes in using business to inspire solutions to the environmental crisis. They generously donated a women's lightweight R4 jacket in sable brown medium size, a men's lightweight R4 jacket in black medium size, lightweight Travel Pack in black, and a Pocket Pack in blue. Check-out their quality gear at the store in Palo Alto.

The Sea Ranch

Nancy Teater
Vacation home stay in The Sea Ranch, CA
Nancy, longtime dedicated volunteer and SCVAS member, donated seven nights at her vacation home in The Sea Ranch during July 1 to October 31, 2010 only. The Sea Ranch is a rugged landscape dotted with distinctive homes that extends for about ten miles on either side of Highway One in Sonoma County, California. Its hallmark is the attempt to blend man-made structures with their natural setting, and to live lightly on the land. Enjoy miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, heated swimming pools, golf course and nearby restaurants. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while finding some great birds and other wildlife. Sleeps four.

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Great Egret Sponsors
Those who donated between $250 and $599 in prizes

Los Gatos Birdwatcher
Binoculars
Even though Freddy and John's store is now called the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, you will still find the same quality and unique merchandise that draws patrons from all over the South Bay. They generously donated a pair of high-quality Monarch X 8.5x45 binoculars featuring uncompromised low-light performance, light weight, multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds, nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed. These complete with case, strap, and cleaning fluid and cloth.

Hawaii Forest and Trail
Rainforest and Dryforest Birding Adventure
We have rave reviews from several past Birdathon winners who went on their Rainforest/Dryforest Adventure or Hakalau Birding Adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii. Win a certificate for two guests valid from July 2010 to July 2011, advance booking required, for those over eight years old.

SF Bay Salt Ponds

David Presotto
South Bay adventure flight
Migrate like a Sandhill Crane in this light aircraft tour for two. SCVAS member and pilot David Presotto, will give you and one guest an aerial tour of the salt ponds, the Mount Hamilton Range, out to Pacheco Pass and back up the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains. A wonderful way to experience and photograph our county's many habitats. Depart from Palo Alto airport. Flight must be taken by September 30, 2010.

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Western Bluebird Sponsors
Those who donated up to $249 in prizes

Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery
Wine tasting
Enjoy a free wine tasting for six people at Alfaro's 16-foot granite tasting bar on Saturdays from 12 to 5 PM. Gather your friends and bring a picnic to take in the view from their deck overlooking the vines. Located less than 4 miles from the cooling influence of the Monterey Bay in the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.

Judy Bingman Photography
Framed photography
Judy began her professional career as a wildlife photographer in 1996 after discovering her talent and passion for the art during worldwide photography safaris. Win this gorgeous matted and framed Western Screech-owl, framed-size is approximately 12x15 inches.

Buttes Resort
Two night stay
The peace and tranquility of mountain living can be yours at this unique vacation destination located above the meandering North Yuba River in Sierra City, a historic mining town. The resort is situated beneath the towering Buttes of the Sierras where great birding can be found. Win a two-night stay with restrictions. Call for reservations.

birdguy.net
Local Birding Excursion
Join experienced birding instructor Matthew Dodder, the "Bird Guy", for a special personal birding excursion to a local birding spot. Your day must occur by June 30, 2011. Details to be worked out with Matthew.

Byington Winery
Wine tasting
Enjoy the wine country experience Byington has created for you right in the Santa Cruz Mountains with free wine tasting and tour for up to 30 people. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your group at their tables in the garden adjacent to their beautiful building. Breathe in the tranquility of panoramic views, beautifully crafted wines and clean mountain air.

Captain's Inn, Moss Landing
Night stay
Certificate for a free night stay at a beautiful and cozy inn with waterfront views and great birding near Elkhorn Slough. Includes a full breakfast each morning. This inn was voted one of the 10 best B&Bs in the magazine "Birds & Blooms." Valid Sunday through Thursday until December 15, 2010 (no exceptions).

Children's Discovery Museum
Tickets
Family four-pack of tickets to the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose where you can expect to test, crank, listen, prod and tinker. One of the largest museums of its kind in the nation, CDM's 150 interactive exhibits lead visitors to explore, understand and enjoy the world in which they live.

Ducky Ducks
Wood sculpture
A beautiful hand carved and painted carving of a Common Loon by local artist Jack Cole. This is a large "duck-decoy" sized piece that will look great on your shelf. Jack’s carefully hand-crafted carvings have been a highly sought-after Spring Birdathon prize for many years in a row.

Flint Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets
Gift certificate for tickets to a show at the Flint Center located on the De Anza College Campus in Cupertino. Visit their Web site for a list of their upcoming shows that you won’t want to miss. Expires December 2010.

Joe Freitas
Wood Sculpture
A beautiful hand-carved and hand-painted Pintail duck from a talented artist. This carving is life-sized. This could be beautifully displayed on your shelf!

Kathy Hendig
Two 49er Tickets
Kathy, SCVAS member and volunteer, and her husband donated two tickets and a parking pass to a 49er footbal game on a specified day (to be announced) in August. Enjoy a great time out to root for your favorite team!

Kathy Hendig and Laurie West Roberts
Two-night RV trip
Kathy will drive you to Point Reyes in her luxurious fifth-wheel camper to Point Reyes for a two-night outing. Enjoy the birds and serenity of this beautiful area as you are pampered by Kathy and Laurie. All meals will be provided and prepared for you. Due to space restrictions in the RV, this offer is for women only. Your outing must occur on Monday through Friday between September 7 to October 30, 2010 only.

Marilyn Host
Bird Feeder
Bird feeder artistically handmade from pottery.

Just for Fun Handweaving & Polymer Clay
Handwoven Scarf
This handwoven handwoven by artist Dotty Calabrese, SCVAS Board Member, of a warm, sturdy, buttery soft, luminous, colorful rayon chenille yarn. They are approximately 8 inches wide and 64 inches long with a 2-1/2 inch fringe at each end. These are sure to keep you toasty-warm while birding on those cold mornings.

Kim Koringa Designs
Jewelry
Colorful and whimsical bird-themed jewelry made from polymer clay from a very talented artist.

Mercy Hot Sptings Resort
Night's stay
Win this gift certificate for one night stay in a cabin of your choice at this natural and unspoiled recreational area in nearby Hollister. We recommend that you plan your visit to see the wintering Long-eared Owls! Expires on April 1, 2010. Holidays excluded.

Merigan Vineyards
Wine
Two cases of mixed wine from Tom Merigan, SCVAS member and an accomplished local winemaker in the Santa Cruz Mountains. One case will be awarded as a prize and we will enjoy the other case at the Birdathon Awards Dinner on June 8.

Ridge Vineyards
Wine
Win a giant three liter bottle (this is bigger than a magnum!) of Ridge's 1998 Lytton Springs Zinfandel. It is usual for Ridge's wines to vie for top Zinfandel honors. Visit their wineries in nearby Cupertino and Healdsburg. You will not be disappointed with popular Ridge wines!

Laurel Rezeau
Note cards
An assortment of bird-themed note cards to be awarded to a contest winner at the Awards Dinner.

San Jose Stage
Four tickets
Laugh your heart out at Red, White, and Tuna, a side-splitting spoof of life in rural America showing on June 2-July 4, 2010. Check the San Jose Stage website for show times. You must call for reservations.

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Binoculars
We received a vintage pair of Leitz 8x40s binoculars as a donation and we saved them just for this Birdathon. We have cleaned them thoroughly and added a new SCVAS elastic harness. These are made with very high quality optics that will challenge most new binoculars on the market today.

Spirit of Health Therapeutic Massage
Thirty Minute Massage
Prepare to be pampered in luxuriating comfort that will revitalize your body after a long day of birding. Two gift certificates for a free thirty minute massage. Call for appointment. Expires September 30, 2010.

Tapestry Bistro
Lunch for Four
At Tapestry in Los Gatos, they combine the ingredients of many cultures, using traditional french cooking techniques as a backdrop. Food, wine and atmosphere are all woven together to form an unforgettable experience full of flavor and surprises. Enjoy a three-course fixed-price lunch for four people, any day of the week. Not including tax, beverages or gratuity. Expires October 31, 2010.

Richard Turner
Note cards
An assortment of bird-themed note cards to be awarded to a contest winner at the Awards Dinner.

Whole Foods
Cooking Class
Win a certificate for one hands-on cooking class, tasting, or demonstration dinner led by some of the country's most exciting chefs, artisans and authors including Whole Food's own in-store experts. Increase your culinary know-how and expand your recipe repertoire at their state-of-the-art Culinary Centers.

David Wimpfheimer
Local Birding Excursion
David is a biologist and a professional naturalist and guide with a passion for birds and the natural history of the West. He will lead up to three people in the wonderful environs of Point Reyes National Seashore. Your guided day must be on Monday through Friday and must occur before November 15, 2010. This could be a perfect complement to a special weekend getaway north of the Golden Gate.

Mary Wisnewski
Knit-to-fit birders' mitts
For chilly mornings in the field, birders need gloves without fingers! These hard-wearing fingerless birding mitts - hand knit to your own hand measurements in the historic twined knitting technique - will fit the bill. They are designed for use with binoculars and field guide and have gotten many positive comments about them on Audubon field trips. Twined knitting makes a long-lasting fabric - one pair of my mitts has been worn every winter for sixteen years and is still going strong. Please note that it will take two weeks after collecting your measurements to knit your mitts. This offer expires on November 1, 2010.