By Captain Hugh “Birdman” Carola

OK, I know it’s still winter and we’re all suffering from cabin fever but let’s face it: the days are getting longer, spring is getting closer and it’s time to start thinking about birds.

Why? Because on May 15, 2004, Team Hackensack Riverkeeper will participate in the 21st Annual World Series of Birding (WSB), that’s why! From about 3 a.m. until around 8:30 p.m., my teammates (Stan Blumenfeld, Kerul Kassel & promising rookie Dave Kaplan) and I will scour the Hackensack River watershed from the New York state line to Newark Bay to count birds and raise money to help support the ongoing work of Hackensack Riverkeeper.

Here’s how counting birds turns into fundraising: Good folks like you make a per-species pledge of whatever amount you wish. When the WSB is over (and after I get a good night’s rest), I’ll multiply our species count by the amount you pledged and will send you a letter with a SASE for your tax-deductible donation.

Let’s say the team lists 106 species like we did last year. If you pledge 25¢ per bird, your donation will be $26.50. If you pledge 50¢, it’s $53. Of course, you don’t have to stop there. We’ll certainly accept any pledge amount or lump sum donation because you’ll be helping to keep Hackensack Riverkeeper on the job and on patrol. Last year, we collected over $2,000 – more than DOUBLE the amount we did in 2002 – and together we can raise even more in 2004!

Once again, Team Hackensack Riverkeeper is proud to be sponsored by ShopRite Supermarkets and we thank them for their support. And thank YOU in advance for your generous support!