At the MCAS Board Meeting, the officers approved Manatee County Audubon's participation in the June Challenge. 

What is the June Challenge? 
For those of us who stay in Florida during the summer, this is for you! Back in 2004, Alachua County's Becky Ennis originated the Challenge, a friendly competition designed to keep us birding through the summer heat rather than staying inside our air-conditioned homes hiding from the heat. The aim is to see as many species as possible in our county - Manatee - between June 1st and June 30th. The rules are listed below:

1. Count only birds within Manatee County. 
   Explore your home turf. Find new birding spots.

2. Count each bird on our list that is seen, not just heard.

3. Count any free-flying bird. 
   ABA-countable and ABA non-countable species can be on your list. For example: Blue-Crowned Parakeet can be counted, but is not an acceptable ABA species, so it would be listed as 110/1.

If you are interested in participating, call or email Billie Knight 941-592-7622 or BillieLKnight@yahoo.com. She is willing to compile our results. Even if you submit your sightings to the Manatee County Group, you can still participate in the June Challenge on an individual basis. If you have any questions, please contact Billie.