The Cup is the unofficial newsletter of the David Cup, a friendly competition to see who can tally the most bird species in the Cayuga Lake Basin each year. Started in 1996 by Allison and Jeff Wells, The Cup quickly became the must-read publication for Ithaca-area birders. After four years of penning classic Cups, the Wells recently turned over the reins of the newsletter to Ben Fambrough, who, with the help of Matts Medler, Sarver, Williams, and Young, has quickly added his own special spice to the mix. In addition to a monthly list of birders' totals for the David Cup and McIlroy Award (a contest limited to the Town of Ithaca), The Cup contains features like "Kickin' Tail" (an interview with the current Cup leader), "Coach's Corner" (a column in which expert Cuppers share advice on where to go and what to be looking for at different times of the year), and "Dear Tick" (an advice column that you have to read for yourself ). If you would like to join the family of Cup competitors, or just enjoy the fun of The Cup from the sidelines by receiving an e-mail copy, contact Editor-in-Chief Ben Fambrough at fambrough@clarityconnect.com. Go to The Cup Archive to check out issues from the past year.

New! Photos from the 2001 Cupper Supper

David Cup Champions

2000 David Cup Champion Geo Kloppel, scoping a Snowy Owl (Bird #250) in the Savannah Mucklands. November 2000.