01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, May 11, 2005

SMITHFIELD -- Birds won't be the only things flocking to the marshes, forests and beaches of Rhode Island this weekend. They will be joined by a posse of bird watchers drawn by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's annual Birdathon.

The marathon event begins Saturday at midnight and lasts until 8 p.m.

It's a fundraiser for the nonprofit environmental organization, with watchers collecting pledges based on the number of species spotted during the heavy spring migration period as birds head back north.

The society, which has its headquarters in Smithfield, said that watchers this year can expect to see such species as the Tennessee warbler, the king rail, the least bittern and cliff swallow.

The volunteers, first-timers and veterans, will be divided into teams of at least four members who choose their own viewing places. They may choose to observe from their own backyards and keep tabs on the bird feeder.

The winning team will receive the Robert A. Conway Trophy. Individuals may receive the Golden Plover Award for the most money raised.

The event will end with an award ceremony and dinner at the Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield.

Those interested in taking part should call Audubon at (401) 949-5454 to obtain a pledge kit.