BirdWatching

Blueprint for a Big Day

Most birders are aware of the notion of a Big Year, but surprisingly many are unaware of another birdwatching institution, the Big Day. While few of us are in a position to carve a year out of our lives and run up a list of North American bird species (a.k.a., a Big Year), almost everyone can find a day to tally a head-turning species total.

Anticipating that your question might be “why do that,” I’ll offer a pre-emptive answer.

Because it is fun and challenging. A Big Day is a real test of your birding acumen and how well you know the birds of your region. Fun and challenge are the same motivators behind a Big Year.

Commonly restricted to birding within

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BirdWatching

BirdWatching2 min read
CRC Hosts Emergency Efforts To Help Save California Condors
Recently the Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) became home to 28 Black Vultures that are part of an emergency use vaccine authorization, a program dedicated to protecting endangered California Condors from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The eme
BirdWatching1 min read
BirdWatching
Editor Matt Mendenhall Founding Editor Eldon D. Greij, 1937-2021 Contributing Editors Pete Dunne, Laura Erickson, Kimball L. Garrett, Kenn Kaufman, David Allen Sibley, Brian E. Small Senior Graphic Designer Nate Silva Wordpress Developer David Glassm
BirdWatching5 min read
ID TIPS: Gull-billed Tern
ALONG WITH THE Caspian Tern, the Gull-billed Tern has the most extensive breeding range of any non-oceanic tern, yet it is localized, generally uncommon, and unfamiliar to many birders. The species breeds from southern Scandinavia to southern Europe

Related Books & Audiobooks