The Big Year?

[semillama]

Has anyone read it? What did you think? Do you think it's possible to beat the record anymore?

Has anyone tried a big year just for themselves?

I'm keeping track of how many I see this year, but I don't think I'll be really serious about doing anything like a big year until I have more checks on the life list...

I wouldn't mind doing a Big Day with a small group though, that sounds like fun.

[amazona]

1. haven't read it yet but a couple links

I'll wait for it at the library. It is always possible to beat the record if you are willing to spend the money. I think the record is still 721, here's a link:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june04/bird_04-12.html

I lack the competitive spirit and the financial resources to get into the Big Year or even the Big Day. But we have some very topnotch people in Louisiana who do the Big Day here in April. It requires a lot of advance scouting and of course a measure of luck.

Here is the story of the Louisiana Big Day:

http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Witt/birdathon_2003.html

The team saw more species in Louisiana borders in one day than I have seen in the entire 30-plus years I've lived in Louisiana. Whew! Very impressive but too ambitious for me. I go at my own poky pace. I guess I will just have to live a long time if I want to see a lot of birds because I am limited in what I can pack into one day or one year!

Very fun to read about or contribute to though. In Louisiana the team raises money for LSU Museum of Natural History and their bird studies.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[blindpig]

3. What a day!

Planning, timing, resources, experience and luck, that's all it takes! In my dreams. Best I've ever done is in the 60's, and that ain't but once every 4 or 5 years. Of course I'm also usually looking for herps at the same time, a good way to get whiplash.

[pmbryant]

2. I read that book a few months ago

No idea about possibilities of breaking the record. But the book was enjoyable, even for for a very casual birder like myself.

--Peter

[Stepup2]

4. The book was a fun read

I did a big day 2 years ago on Boxing day with a very knowledgeable birder I happened to meet while walking in a park a month prior.

I am/was a novice and we saw more on that day than I thought possible in my neck off the woods.

I am still grateful for his advice!