Big Year 2012

[winnett]

In 2012, I birded a Big Year in Washington and Oregon states. A Big Year is a personal challenge to see as many separate species of birds as you can identify. I limited myself to my two local states (I live on the border of the two

Comments

[hogwartsvixxxen]

WOW! So many wonderful birdies.

I hope you had a blessed "second" NEW YEAR and that 2013 is full of more birdies and lifers, joy, health, and happiness for you and yours.

[winnett]

Ah, you're so sweet. I hope to have a good year, too, though my cat just broke part of my computer. *sigh*

[hogwartsvixxxen]

OHNO! I hope you can get it fixed *hugs*

[winnett]

Nope, not fixed yet, but I found a work around. Silly cats.

[kk1raven]

That's a nice list of birds. I'd say you did well.

I also want to know my local birds better. Instinctively know it's a certain bird, know where they like to hang out, what foods they like, their songs, their actions. I think that will make me a better birder than to have a large number of birds I've seen and ticked off on a list.

I think you're right about this. Simply ticking birds off on a list doesn't impress me in most cases. Creating a big list is often more about having the time and money to chase after birds and about having sources that tell you what other people have found than about being knowledgeable. Really knowing how to find birds and understanding what they're doing is more impressive and ends up leading to you finding interesting species.

[winnett]

Thank you!

I'm glad you think the same way. So far I haven't had a chance to act on my new intention. It takes more time to sit and just watch robins do their robin thing... or it seems like it's taking longer time. I think drawing the birds would help too.

Anyway, it's a theory. :)

[sesheta_66]

Wow. *\o/* Go you!

[winnett]

Thank you so much!

[barn_swallow]

Very nice, and I am very jealous! A ton of those would be lifers for me since they are western birds. I barely birded at all last year, I am hoping this year will be better but we'll see. The only cool bird thing I managed was an osprey banding boat trip where I got to hold a few chicks.

[winnett]

Hello, you!

Yeah, you need to come and visit and I will take you birding. :) I haven't really birded much prior to this year... often times not even once a month.

Wow, that would be an amazing thing! I got to help band a red-tail and release it once. So cool.

[shapinglight]

Terrific list. American birds were a mystery to me before a 2012 trip to California. Couldn't move for them there. Amazing!

[winnett]

Hahha. We are birdy. :) I hope you get another trip out here to see more.