In 1998, I engaged in what serious birders call a Big Year run. This is a year-long marathon contest where a birder tries to see as many different birds as possible in that single year. I held the old record for North America (726 species in 1987), and a few had challenged, but eleven years later that record still stood. But I wanted to do it again, and top my own total.
The 1998 Big Year took me all across the North American continent, from remote areas of Alaska to Newfoundland. I crisscrossed the southern and western parts of the United States repeatedly searching for the rare and accidental visitors that may have somehow strayed within the ABA area. I spent a lot of time at sea, voyaging far out into both oceans in an effort to search for the rare and unusual pelagic species found only beyond the sight of land.
Birding provides all of the excitement and challenge I can handle. For me, it’s more than just a hobby, it’s an all-consuming passion.
I look forward to sharing memories and insights from my big year—as well as more recent birding adventures—here at North American Birding, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
I wrote two books about my big years experiences—details and personalized, autographed copies are available by clicking here.
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