Birding The Net

On October 12th The National Audubon Society launched an online scavenger hunt called Birding The Net to help introduce people to the fun of birding.  There are birds all over the internet for you to find and collect on Facebook.  You could win Nikon binoculars, a Canon camera kit, or a ten day wildlife cruise for two aboard the National Geographic Endeavour to the Galapagos Islands!  Contest runs through November 7th.  Check it out, it's pretty fun!  You can even get your own birdhouse and birds for your website or blog.  You can also join Audubon's "online community."  This will get you tips for the hunt in your inbox, a free digital edition of the November issue of Audubon Magazine, and a free mobile app for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.  From what I can tell the app has calls, images, and range maps of the 34 birds featured in the scavenger hunt.  A nice plug for their Field Guide to North American Birds app.  I'm not sure if this campaign will increase their membership, sell more apps, or create a new generation of birders, but I give Audubon props for trying.