Earth Day? In Texas, it's for the birds

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Team Sapsucker sped away in a minivan moments after midnight on Earth Day, ears perked and binoculars in hand, in a race to identify a US record number of bird species in a 24-hour period.Within minutes the experts with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology had several birds in metaphoric hand -- a yellow-crowned night heron, a mallard, a barred owl -- but plenty more in the bush as they participated in the "Big Day" quest.The annual challenge raises badly needed funds for research and conservation of America's bird species, many of which are in deep trouble.What makes this year's event special? It falls by chance on April 22, which is Earth Day, the global celebration of the environment. Suddenly, the Cornell Lab is in the spotlight as part of humanity's broader efforts to do good for flora and fauna, and raise awareness about saving the planet.Each year the lab chooses a location for its competition and, after assessing migration patterns and weather conditions, determines the day in April when conditions are best for bird-watching.This year, for the first time, it's in South Texas, and the fact the Big Day coincides with Earth Day gives their challenge greater exposure -- and an increased likelihood of meeting their goal of raising $250,000 for the lab in Ithaca, New York."There are lots of birds in really serious trouble," said Team Sapsucker member Marshall Iliff.Migrating bird numbers are declining because of habitat loss, acid rain and climate change, and Iliff says the public needs to know. By 12:19 am the team members near the San Antonio zoo had six birds on the books, they told followers in a Twitter message. The night looked promising as they sought to break the national record of 261 unique sightings in a single day.The more species the group identifies, the higher the public pledge of support. The lab suggested a minimum pledge of $0.25 to $1 per species.Iliff and the other group members -- Tim Lenz, Jessie Barry, Andrew Farnsworth, Brian Sullivan and captain Chris Wood -- know

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